Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 25, 2014 12:04:08 GMT -5
In the thread a little while back about talking to anyone from history, Wrongsideof30 said something rather profound and thought provoking, as she normally does.
She said she would love to go back in time and give her younger self a good talking to.
So I pose the question to you. If you could go back in time to give your younger self a good talking to, what advice and pearls of wisdom would you share?
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Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Feb 25, 2014 12:04:54 GMT -5
Don't go to Europe two years running on a credit card.
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garion2003
Familiar Member
Joined: Feb 20, 2011 15:48:25 GMT -5
Posts: 758
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Post by garion2003 on Feb 25, 2014 12:08:47 GMT -5
Live below my means in my 20's.
Start an EF at 20, don't wait till 33.
Stop eating like a teenager when you land that first desk job. Metabolism slows as you age.
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HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Feb 25, 2014 12:09:07 GMT -5
Don't waste time on ________ (insert boy's name here).
Treat ____________ better. (insert boy's name here).
Learn to apologize.
You can do it.
It's ok to not be right all the time.
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HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Feb 25, 2014 12:09:26 GMT -5
Don't go to Europe two years running on a credit card. God, that sounds like fun!!!
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NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48,085
Member is Online
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Feb 25, 2014 12:12:02 GMT -5
Don't go into academia. You won't be okay with the low pay forever and the rug is about to be pulled out from under funding. Suck it up and get a nursing degree, then become a Nurse Researcher. Better stability and A LOT more money. Wish I'd known about that 7 years ago.
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Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Feb 25, 2014 12:12:39 GMT -5
Don't go to Europe two years running on a credit card. God, that sounds like fun!!! Well, it was. I want to take the kids and DH in a couple of years. The first trip wasn't so bad, I think I came home with about $600 on a cc. The next year EVERYTHING went on the cc. And I was only bringing home about $800 a month then, after taxes.
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cael
Junior Associate
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Post by cael on Feb 25, 2014 12:27:21 GMT -5
Watch the credit card debt and be young and party while you can, because you'll hit 30, wonder why you didn't party more, and be too tired to do it. Oh, more importantly - don't let being shy and anxious make you not try new things.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Feb 25, 2014 12:29:41 GMT -5
Save more for retirement early on.
CC's are not to be used to supplement a small income.
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
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Post by Lizard Queen on Feb 25, 2014 12:34:13 GMT -5
Get the hell out of dodge at 18, because you won't get another chance.
Keep an eye out for a tall, skinny guy. (I'm betting that I walked right by my husband several times before we ever met. I wish we had met years earlier.)
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midjd
Administrator
Your Money Admin
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:09:23 GMT -5
Posts: 17,720
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Post by midjd on Feb 25, 2014 12:35:27 GMT -5
Be a better friend.
Be a better daughter.
When someone you care about is going through a difficult time, don't go into hiding because you don't know what to do/say. Even being awkward is better than nothing at all. (Still need to work on that one).
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mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
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Post by mmhmm on Feb 25, 2014 12:36:30 GMT -5
Do NOT marry that idiot. Also, grow the eff up!
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kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
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Post by kent on Feb 25, 2014 12:36:31 GMT -5
Forget the past, follow your heart and go to medical school - my biggest regret EVER!!!!
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Feb 25, 2014 12:37:45 GMT -5
Leave your retirement account alone when you change jobs!
I cashed in my first one some 30 years ago. It was only about $3000, but it was all employer contributions. I'd be sitting much better now.
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souldoubt
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 11:57:14 GMT -5
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Post by souldoubt on Feb 25, 2014 12:43:12 GMT -5
-Treat your closest friend better -Don't endanger others with your stupidity -Instead of spending most of your money partying put more into the Roth IRA and other investments -Don't be so shy
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Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 25, 2014 12:55:40 GMT -5
The biggest piece of advice I'd give my 18-22 year old self is to take control of your own performance in your job. Early on in my career I expected it to be like school, and for people to teach me stuff. I needed to have it hammered into my head early on that you need to teach yourself what you need to know. That would have saved me a lot of trouble.
That, and try to make a more concernted effort to be social in college, in particular try to date more.
Oh, and whatever you do, don't buy that condo.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 20:12:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 12:59:41 GMT -5
Invest more and earlier. I started when I was a senior in college and I wish I started much earlier.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 20:12:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 13:08:27 GMT -5
Don't go to Europe two years running on a credit card. God, that sounds like fun!!! LOL I was thinking the same thing!
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hurley1980
Well-Known Member
I am all that is wrong with the world....don't get too close, I'm contagious.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 17:35:06 GMT -5
Posts: 1,959
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Post by hurley1980 on Feb 25, 2014 13:17:41 GMT -5
1) Just because you have cc's doesnt mean you can afford to go on shopping sprees every weekend! I was so naive when I was 18-20, I racked up like $5k in cc debt just on clothes, shoes, cds, etc. I then spent the next 5 years working with a credit counseling plan to pay it all off.
2) Start saving for retirement ASAP! I didnt start until I was 28, and now I am trying to catch up!
3) Don't move in with every friggin BF you get! Just because they're cute and employed, doesn't mean it will end well.....or save you money!
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 20:12:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 13:18:28 GMT -5
Grab life by the balls and don't be such a . And go to the gym more.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 20:12:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 13:18:40 GMT -5
I struggle with this one all the time, because really every decision I made, good and bad, led me to where I am today, who I am, and to my two boys who are my world. Had I went away to graduate school instead of staying in my hometown, invested a fortune in MSFT in the 80's, didn't buy the expensive house, avoided the really bad choice in husbands, had I done ANY of these things, it's doubtful my kids would exist. So, I'm not sure I would change anything. Ok, maybe the MSFT one.
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Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 25, 2014 13:22:31 GMT -5
Watch the credit card debt and be young and party while you can, because you'll hit 30, wonder why you didn't party more, and be too tired to do it. Oh, more importantly - don't let being shy and anxious make you not try new things. Interesting, people who partied a lot regret partying so much and wish they saved more. People who don't party a lot wish they partied more.
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The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
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Post by The Captain on Feb 25, 2014 13:28:34 GMT -5
Stick to your guns and make (then) fiancee move out of his parent's home and live on his own for a year before getting married.
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giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,141
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Post by giramomma on Feb 25, 2014 13:31:25 GMT -5
Trust your gut.
You know know what's best for yourself better than anyone else (despite what others say).
Look at yourself through a better lens. (My ideal weight was 130. At 130, the only message I received is that I needed to lose weight.) I just assumed I was fat. It's really too bad, actually.
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tloonya
Junior Associate
What status?
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:22:13 GMT -5
Posts: 8,452
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Post by tloonya on Feb 25, 2014 13:40:22 GMT -5
Do NOT marry that idiot. Also, grow the eff up! Have you just called your ex an idiot? Can you do that without banning yourself for at least a few days? I know he is not a member here but Ok, enough of small talk. I would tell myself: Do not hold to your virginity because the older you are the longer you own it - the hardest it is to accept anyone taking it from you. Get rid of it asap and never think of it. Marry rich! Don't look at it - say yes and...whatever it is they are doing (I have no advice because I don't know what's next) Do not buy a new car every 5 years Enjoy frugality. Eat no lobsters and crab legs because it is not considered frugal. Eat...corn. Do not travel. It is overrated. Save that money for 'later'. If you can't make it there - your children will thank you. Do not widen your horizons. The narrower they are - the easier it is to enjoy frugality. Italian shoes do not exist! So their bags... If you didn't marry rich - wait until kids are out of the house and...divorce poor and marry rich! At least at the end of your life you will enjoy it somehow...if he is not a cheapskate. Good Luck!
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Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 25, 2014 13:40:59 GMT -5
Invest more and earlier. I started when I was a senior in college and I wish I started much earlier. Starting as a senior in college is pretty good, far better than the vast majority of people. If our Phil script is to be believed, you'll have meeeelions! We'll start calling you Mrs. Moneybags.
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wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
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Post by wyouser on Feb 25, 2014 13:41:34 GMT -5
Don't be in such a damn hurry to be 21....take your time......go slow......They lie to you...the "Golden Years" ARE NOT GOLDEN!!!! backs, knees, necks, shoulders, elbows wrists, fingers DO NOT ALL AGE GRACEFULLY. You were not immortal or invincible when you were young. Your body will REMIND you of this when you are older.
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giramomma
Distinguished Associate
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Posts: 22,141
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Post by giramomma on Feb 25, 2014 13:41:59 GMT -5
Well, it was. I want to take the kids and DH in a couple of years. I was hoping to take the family to Europe for like 3-4 weeks in a few years as well (3-4ish). We'll see. I'm already staring at one 5K ortho bill between now and then, and hoping that we don't have another 6-7K in ortho bills to deal with during that time. We even had our route all planned out. England, Paris, Germany, Denmark, home. <sigh>
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CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
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Post by CarolinaKat on Feb 25, 2014 13:44:14 GMT -5
Don't waste time on ________ (insert boy's name here). Treat ____________ better. (insert boy's name here). Learn to apologize. You can do it. It's ok to not be right all the time. Basically this, with a few tweaks.
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swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,617
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Post by swamp on Feb 25, 2014 13:44:43 GMT -5
Dammit, you are not fat. You are actually a hottie, but you dont realize it. Work it.
Wear sunscreen.
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