Get on a written budget and stick to it. With 3-5 years you will see and be prepared for all the nuances, from practice.
That.
I also suggest as a second career, "citizen journalism." As a FReeper, naturally you're interested in politics and conservatism. Start your own news agency on the internet. Go to county commission, school board, city council meetings, and write about what you see and hear. You will be shocked at how much influence you'll have.
I've been doing my own newsblog for five years and have enjoyed it immensely.