I have been independent since Jan 94. My wife and I bought the house we live in because of a back room 20 X 20. One wall 20 feet across with a 12 foot ceiling is covered with Elfa Shelves from about 4 feet to almost the ceiling. I filled that up and have several other places in the house where books are being stored.

Continual learning is one key to happiness in my opinion and the key to work (remaining independent) in this industry.

Very few people know this. You can go to Borders and get an Institutional Discount/Credit Card. 20 % discount on all business/learning type books. They will order books for you, cover shipping cost and give 20 % discount on top of that. I have purchased Hentzenwerke books that way. Every month for years there has been a balance to pay on the card...

To my wifes dismay a new Borders opened up within walking distance from my house. The last year I have tried to branch out of reading computer books. Its hard for me but I read a few other things.