Maybe this path will not work for everyone. But if you are reasonably intelligent and ambitious, this is the way.
- Get as much education as you can.
- At a minimum, you must learn and use proper English. This is true no matter where you are. If you are rich in Malaysia or Guatemala or Kenya, fine, you don't need English. But if you are poor, master English.
- Get a job. If there are no jobs, then you must make your own; find a need and fill it. Do what needs done; haul water for your neighbors, plant the rice, whatever. Do not wait for the work to come to you; you must go find the work.
- Do not have children.
- Find a partner, who has done likewise. Do not look for a partner to raise your children. Instead look for a life partner. This is a subtle but important distinction. Yes, children are a part of life; for many the most important part. And no, it is not fair, but if you are poor, you simply cannot afford children. And they will keep you poor. So make your choice.
- Also regarding children, you must break the mindset that only your children can and will care for you in your old age. Once you breakout of the jail of the poverty-minded, you will discover that you can and should take care of yourself in your old age. This view of children as retirement is a big part of what keeps people poor; because this mindset encourages people to have children they cannot afford.
- Get married.
- Still do not have children.
- Focus on your (two) careers; make something of yourselves.
- Never lie, never look for shortcuts. These are popular strategies of the poverty-minded. Be honest or stay poor.
- Along the way, read everything you can, both fiction and nonfiction. You must learn to learn and learn to think. These are skills that most poor people just never develop.
- Also learn to be considerate and grateful and friendly. If you think these characteristics are beneath you, okay fine, stay poor.
- Do not surround yourself with poverty-minded people. Leave them behind. Leaving poverty most often involves leaving your community.
- Be faithful to your spouse.
- Only then should the two of you even consider children.
And yes, it is this simple. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying to you – To serve their own interests, not yours. The obvious key to this path is to have children only when and if you can afford it. If you cannot manage this, again okay fine, stay poor. I realize this advice may run counter to the teachings of your faith and/or the desires of your family. You simply must put these influences aside until you, and you alone, are ready.