Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

Last week marked the 30^th anniversary of the date Marty McFly traveled 30 years into the future, from 1985 to 2015. A lot has happened in the past 30 years. Smartphones are part of our regular vocabulary, millions of individuals do their shopping online, and markets are still unpredictable.

Naturally, I’ve changed over the last 30 years. And if I had a DeLorean that could take me back in time I’d try to impart some wisdom on my younger self. Unfortunately, the closest thing I have to a DeLorean is a silver mini-van (with sliding rather than gull wing doors) lacking a flux capacitor. My hope is that younger readers can benefit from what I am about to tell my younger self.

1. From the moment you start earning money, save 10% of what you make. Whether it’s mowing lawns or stocking shelves you have the gift of time to your advantage; and you never get it back.

2. Don’t be afraid to live frugally. It’s not how you spend that will impress people, it’s your character.

3. When you go on dates, it’s OK to pick up the tab; but it’s also OK if you go Dutch. It’s also OK to if you don’t spend any money on a date. Sometimes a simple stroll through a park along a river will do more for a relationship than a movie.

4. Give to others who need it, and do it without fanfare. Random acts of kindness and generosity compound more powerfully that you could ever imagine.

5. One of the smartest financial decisions you made was waiting to go to college. You didn’t know it at the time, but you weren’t ready. A few years of maturity will prepare you to be a better student, and you’ll appreciate college and your instructors more.

6. Drive your 1985 Pontiac Sunbird until it completely dies. You’ll save so much by not having a car payment. See point number 2.

7. Hold off on applying for a credit card. There’s plenty of time and you don’t need one now.

8. I know it hurts to hear this but your parents were right. You may know everything now, but as you age you’ll get dumber. That’s a good thing.

9. Money doesn’t buy happiness. You need some to live comfortably, but after a certain point, your happiness with having more money increases at a decreasing rate. If this is confusing, sit in the front of the class when you take Economics 101 in college.

10. You will have regrets. Don’t dwell on them. Learn from them.

11. You will learn a lot by failing. Get ready for some whoppers.

12. Try your best to think before you speak or act. This will benefit you more than you know.

13. Success is not defined by what you have or what you do. It’s defined by who you are. Count your blessings. Three of them eat dinner with you every night. Be grateful for everything you have.

14. When you move to Springfield, Illinois, look up a guy by the name of Jim Blankenship. Trust me on this one…