But first, before I became a real trader, I worked for IBM.

IBM Global Services, to be exact.

I was responsible for implementing mySAP Services for customers.

I was a “high-end consultant,” flying all over Europe to visit customers.

If I remember correctly, my HOURLY rate was $1,200!

Of course, I didn’t get that.

IBM got all the money.

Not me. I was just an employee.

Don’t get me wrong: IBM paid me well. I made high 6 figures!

But I was working 60-70 hours per week.

I never forget the moment... when I was in a hotel room in Vienna after a long day of work.

It was a dark, because these little lamps in hotel rooms never provide much light.

I guess they are supposed to create a “cozy” feeling… but for me: it was depressing.

And the room smelled of those hotel cleaners and I thought,

Was THIS the legacy I’m leaving for my kids? 

Is THIS My Legacy?

What kind of role model am I for my kids?

“How to be a good employee?”

Wow, what a great role model! 🙁

I’ll never forget that night at the hotel, because as I sat there in this green arm chair, still dressed in my “corporate dress code:” blue shirt, dark blue suit and a yellow tie… I got angry!

I wanted more money.
I wanted more time for my friends and family.
I wanted to have more fun!
I wanted to have less stress!

… and most importantly: I wanted to have a bigger impact!

I wanted to leave a legacy.

I got so angry, that I quit.

I quit my 6-figure job at IBM and moved from Munich in Germany to Austin, TX to become a professional trader. I wanted to learn how to make money with trading.

It wasn’t easy, and at first things went very bad:

Within the first few months, I lost more than half of my trading account, because I made stupid mistakes… but that’s a different story.

Anyhow, I made the decision to quit my job and become a trader in September 2002.

It was scary!

I messed it up big time and almost wiped out my account twice! ...the second time because I thought I knew it all and I got overconfident!

But I’m happy I did it.

Fast forward to today...

Life is Good!

My son Julius is 15 years old. 

He loves to sail.

He doesn’t play video games.
He does NOT sit in front of the TV for hours.
He does not hang around in malls like many of his friends.

He loves being out on the lake.

And he is VERY good at it.

We travel together to Regattas over 83 days a year.

Over 4,948 miles! And we love it!

I could NEVER do that if I was still employed working for somebody else.

My daughter Vivian is in New York right now.

That’s her, chilling in Central Park.

She’s there with her Girl Scout Troop, and a few months ago it seemed they had to cancel the trip!

They worked hard for it: Sold cookies and did many fundraisers. They saved money for 3 years to fulfil their dream of spending a few days in New York.

But then they realized how expensive hotels are in New York City:

For a few days in a shoe box sized room for all 6 of them, they had to pay $1,800. 
And they didn’t have the money.
They only budgeted $1,200 for the hotel. 

They worked for it for 3 years - and it still wasn’t enough. 

So I decided to get the hotel room for them. 
Yes: I did make a $1,800 donation to Vivian’s Girl Scout Troop.

Why? - Because I can!

Because it allowed these girls to live their dream that they worked so hard for.

I’m so proud of both of my kids working hard for their dreams, and I’m grateful that when they fall a little short, I can help make it happen for them, and that’s when...

Why am I telling you all this?

Because THIS is what “leaving a legacy” means to me:
It means that I can provide a better life for my kids, instead of being an employee and working 40 hours or more per week - just to be able to make a mortgage payment.
Trading is a skill that you can pass on.
I’m teaching my kids to trade, to give them an amazing life!
THAT is my legacy!
Trading has changed my life. It’s providing my family the lifestyle that they deserve,
...and I want that for you.