Ben got a job working in a print shop for Mr. Keimer, who also published a newspaper. In 1729 Benjamin purchased Keimer’s newspaper and renamed it The Pennsylvania Gazette. At this time Ben also opened his first printing shop. When he was just 26 years old he started publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack, which contained weather predictions, astrological observations, and humorous bits of wisdom and advice on how to live a good life. He also included maxims, wise and witty sayings, which people still use today.

One of his maxims was:

“He that riseth late must trot all day. Lost time is never found again.”

People liked him a lot. He made jokes with them and worked hard. Benjamin Franklin believed that it was important to be truthful, sincere, and honest all of the time. He lived simply, ate plain food, saved his money, and paid his debts promptly. When he was 24 years old he married Deborah Read. They had three children, but one died when he was four, of smallpox.