Fourteen quarters a day. Does it sound ridiculous when you say it aloud? It must. Though I’ve never heard anyone utter the words “Fourteen quarters a day changed my life,” I’m here to tell you otherwise. Lucky for you, I’ve done the simple math— a freshman in high school who dedicates his or her time to saving just 14 quarters a day up until college graduation will amass a savings of 40,768 quarters—a little over $10,000.
Now as a high school freshman, you may not entirely understand what a monumental difference $10,000 could make for you as a recent college graduate, as you transition to an “independent” lifestyle for the very first time. I use the term “independent” loosely—ask the parents of recent graduates just how “independent” their new college graduate is in those initial post-college years. Ask a recent graduate how $10,000 might help them, as they try and plant their feet firmly onto the slippery slope of employment in those gruesome first six months. At that point in time, $10,000 is everything. Your parents will support it, and your future self will thank you for it.
What you are missing out on when you save 14 quarters a day:
14 gum balls that lose sufficient flavor after two good bites.
3, maybe 4 loads of laundry if you’re lucky.
7 Twix bars if they sold Twix bars in singles.
I can’t do it. 14 quarters is just too much! Nonsense! You can find quarters on the ground, in your couch, and in your dirty laundry hamper. Chances are there is a quarter in your pocket right now. Have you ever politely asked a friend for a quarter? What about a relative? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I promise you, quarters all around town have been waiting for the day to be part of a worthwhile cause like your 14 Quarter Project.
To start out, here is a potential letter you can use as an aid. Reformat as needed:
“Dear Mom and Dad,
I am writing this letter to request your help in my quest to save fourteen quarters a day. If I do this up until my college graduation, I will have saved $10,000, which will carry me over as I transition into life as an independent in the real world. If you choose to decide that the 14 Quarter Project is not worth your time, it is within my understanding that my transition into the real world will be all the more difficult. It is also within my understanding that I will undoubtedly return from college to live in this very room that I write this letter from, eight years from now. The choice is yours…
Sincerely,Your ambitious, proactive child
#loveyou #14quarters”
Make sure you charge them each a quarter to read the letter. They’ll love your ambition.
3 Rules to the 14 Quarter Project
Rule #1: You can never take money out. You can only put money in.
Think of it this way. This money in no way, shape, or form belongs to you. You owe your future self $10,000, and he or she has agreed to let you pay back this debt over an eight-year period. That’s right, you are indebted to your future self.
Rule #2: See it to the finish.
Some days will be more difficult than others. But by the law of averages, some days will also be easier than others. Your “stick-to-it-iveness” will be battled-tested and prepare you for the several other tests life will throw at you in this eight-year stretch.
Rule #3: See rule #1.
It will be difficult, so it must be said twice. Consider those 14 quarters non-refundable after the day has past. If you ever feel tempted to break the rule, quickly imagine the joy you will experience as you receive a check from yourself for $10,000 (or a bag of 40,768 quarters, your choice). This is called vorfreude– the joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures. Step your vocab game up.
Why Should I do this?
Delayed GratificationDelayed Gratification is a psychological concept that relies on the virtues of patience, self-control, and sheer willpower to resist the temptation for an immediate reward in order to receive a better reward at a later point in time.
The benefits you will receive simply by partaking in the 14 Quarter Project far outweighs the $10,000 payment you will be giving to yourself eight years from now. By committing yourself to this very worthwhile project, you will face challenges, make decisions, and be forced to grow in ways you could not duplicate in any other situation imaginable. You will develop a great time perspective—the amount of time one takes into consideration when planning goals and making decisions. (FFT: Studies have shown that amassing great wealth and having a great time perspective often go hand in hand.) Think of this as an eight-year school project, only this time the project is you. The 14 Quarter Project will reveal invaluable knowledge that you will not receive in school, but will without doubt benefit you for the rest of your entire life.
So share with your friends. Make it a competition. The great thing about this game is that there are no losers. Start today: let the 14 Quarter Project unfold and change your life for the better.
August 11, 2014 at 4:02 am
Really impressive and practical
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August 13, 2014 at 5:45 pm
This concept is brilliant as well as practical. It crosses all barriers . Any family member can be part of the pact to the youth involved. If we, as families of the world understood the benefits of this idea , we will all be better off.
Imagine this, 1/4 of the world’s population is composed of youth and 65 percent of Africa is composed of youth.
Imagine among mothers and fathers as they plan parenting have this concept earlier on!!!
I am encouraged to know that youth are among themselves are beginning to take initiative to have us look at the world with practical solutions. Pass it on.
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August 11, 2014 at 5:44 am
Practical kmowledge like this is awesome for not only students but also adults. Life gets overwhelming and it these simple and powerful and practical and self empowering things that we really need and crave. Great to hear parables that bring modern life to life in a real way. Oral tradition handed down through technology. BRILLIANT…Im a fan
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August 12, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Absolutely! Powerful.Practical. Self Empowering. That sums it up quite well. I am happy to share the knowledge I’ve gathered from people life yourself.
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August 11, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Even better for a parent who has two or more youths all thinking like this!
Life would be easier and families less stressed.
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August 12, 2014 at 3:16 pm
I agree completely. Practical thinking can become contagious! Thank you for sharing 🙂
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August 11, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Great idea Isaac!!! This is practical knowledge that can literally change lives! If you are reading this please share this blog with your family and friends… It will literally change lives!
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August 12, 2014 at 3:42 pm
I was almost hesitant to share! I’m really glad that The 14 Quarter Project has had such a positive response. Thank you, Dan!
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August 11, 2014 at 11:16 pm
What a simple yet powerful message and goal!!!!! It is often the simplest things that are the hardest to see through. Anyone in the typical workforce knows what it takes to amass $10k; and the earlier one starts, the stronger the habits, discipline and mindset for the future. When you overcome what you thought you never could, your power is boosted tremendously. If I’d had these types of “nuggets” earlier, I wouldn’t be so hard-headed now :). It’s much harder to relearn in your 30s, than starting in high school OR EARLIER!!!
Thank you Isaac – succinct and REAL!
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August 12, 2014 at 3:39 pm
Thank you for the terrific comment, Ramee!! You’re absolutely right– the earlier one can grasp the concept of delayed gratification, the better.
Succinct and REAL! I love it!!
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August 12, 2014 at 12:44 am
Isaac I like this! The fourteen quarter project should be announced all over various media outlets. Some of us at work have been doing the weekly challenge. Whatever the week you’re in is how much you save. So right now I think we’re in week 33 so at the end of the week we save $33. It is a BIG challenge but you nailed it when you mentioned, ” delayed gratification” . That is the monumental in life! Thank you for including me on the list! 😉
Keep up the healthy financial habits, they will pay off (no pun intended)
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August 12, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Thank you, Mirembe!! That weekly challenge is a great idea! And yes, I will try my best to get The 14 Quarter Project to anyone and everyone who wants to try something new, simple, and extremely practical.
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August 12, 2014 at 12:57 pm
Isaac, great job on the post. If only I had better knowledge of financials when I was a Freshman in High school. But of course, I wasn’t worried about college or the future at that time. I was probably worried about fitting in, being popular or what Brittany thought of my new outfit! Haha.
I think this blog post on financial gain and responsibility can help a lot of people. The simple concept of setting a financial savings goal can go a long way in their life. We just need people and thinkers like you to help them realize that. I think this post can help not only High schoolers, but even college graduates as well.
Although a college graduate might take a different view on this subject matter, the delayed gratification is the same. Whether it is putting early money into a 401k/RSA, contributing to a Roth IRA or even slowly investing in stocks, bonds and funds. All the small stuff adds up.
If you can’t achieve 14 Quarters a day, start with 7…Something is better than nothing!
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August 12, 2014 at 3:18 pm
You hit it on the head, John. I am confident people will catch on that “The 14 Quarter Project” can be applied to anyone. If it sparks a positive idea then I’ve done my job!
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August 18, 2014 at 6:36 am
Isaac…..what a great project and take on this concept. Believe me I know about the positives and negatives with respect to delayed gratification. I think your older followers should comment on your project. Who better than those who have been around and can look back on their lives to underline the different methods, successful strategies for overcoming barriers and the importance of a savings project. We should make your project a lifetime philosophy and goal. You can “live” and still save throughout your life. You concept also addresses the importance of perseverance and discipline in all our life projects. Continue your pearls of wisdom, vision and focus. Continue to stand as a man among boys. Teach !!! We all benefit !!!
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August 19, 2014 at 4:27 am
This is a great bro. I think this will be a definitely read for my students at school. I like that this is put so clearly and relatable for anyone to understand and be inspired to accomplish. Great work.
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