The author spent years learning to become a successful independent investor inspired by her father-in-law, an avid investor. Sonja is a veteran of various sales and marketing positions. She spent the majority of her career at a public manufacturing company becoming Vice-President of the Corporation and General Manager of a divison. During her career she was a contributor to numerous trade publications, including providing chapter to two marketing books. This love of writing led to a second career in retirement as a business writer and editor. Sonja and her husband have found success and the ability to retire early by following excellent investing advice that she wants to share with everyone who has ever said, "I wish I had known that when I was 20 or 30." Or,"my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews need to know about this. " Sonja still finds time to contribute to worthwhile causes in her immediate area. She is on the board of Laurel House, a non-profit working to end domestic violence. During her time there she has served in numerous capacities including Co-President and chair of the investment committee. Sonja and her husband, Brian, were instrumental in developing and formalizing the Board of Directors of 'Let's Go Play', a non-profit for children on the autism spectrum. Sonja has a B.S. in business administration from Villanova University, which is where she met her husband. They are avid fans of the Villanova Wildcats Basketball Team. She lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband.