I wish I knew then what I know now........

[ChainsBeGone]

I would say learn to be patient. Too many times I felt like I had to do something when doing nothing would have led to a much better outcome.

 

[Yarnstormer]

Don't cash out that tiny ira when you leave a job in your late twenties!!!


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[Rambler]

I would have instead invested the 140,000 that I invested in rental real estate between 87-91 into AAPL and held on tight. It would be worth $10m today...even more if I had sold at the peak.

 

[Sunset]

Whoa! How old are these people? ....

Worried you know them ? I'm sure you don't , as they are far from Mo.
He is 57.

 

[irishgal]

Worried you know them ? I'm sure you don't , as they are far from Mo.
He is 57.

No it sounded like a younger couple, maybe 20-30. I knew a few couples back years ago. The guys usually had big dreams to be the next Arnold.
And I've only lived in MO for 18 months. Before that spent my entire life in the beach cities of California.

Not sure why the snark was necessary.

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[Danmar]

Don't worry, things are really going to work out well, eventually. I would advise myself to be a better ie nicer person.

 

[kcowan]

Become an opportunist. When you see a higher level position that you would like, observe and start to develop/display those attributes that are appreciated in such a job. You will be amazed at how perceptive the decison-makers are. Don't be afraid to accept a geographic move.

Should you be lucky enough to fall in love, make sure to sit down and communicate your priorities/fears/ambitions/desires. If you do not agree on most of them, one of you will be doomed.

LBYM but don't sweat it until age 40. Then set out a plan to retire. Stick to it. But be flexible.

 

[papadad111]

Fired at 45. Planned it since 21. What would I tell my 21 YO self based on learning ?

1). Balance career - more family time
2). Exercises more and eat healthy
3) Index invest not individual stocks.
4). Be more patient. It's a marathon not necessarily a sprint.

Many good posts here and sage advice.

 

[Pharmmgr]

Great thread!

I am currently 48 and married to a wonderful women for 20 years with two teenagers. Due do concerns and fears of loosing my job and not having enough money for this or that, I brought loads of pressure and stress into my families life. Therefore, may have taken a longer career and saving view.

A great book that I read about 10 years ago which is related to this topic; "30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans"

http://www.amazon.com/30-Lessons-Living-Advice-Americans/dp/0452298482

 

[Sunset]

No it sounded like a younger couple, maybe 20-30. I knew a few couples back years ago. The guys usually had big dreams to be the next Arnold.
And I've only lived in MO for 18 months. Before that spent my entire life in the beach cities of California.

Not sure why the snark was necessary.

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oops sorry, wasn't trying to do a snark.
I was trying to write a reply in a joking kidding sort of manner. As I type I hear the words in my head, but that's lost in the typing.

 

[John Galt III]

Not sure there is a way to avoid this problem totally, but I would be very careful about what properties are near yours when you buy. That vacant lot zoned residential doesn't necessarily have to stay residential! That beautiful farm next to you will probably be subdivided into what? That cute greenhouse that's been there for decades will be torn down and turned into what??

 

[SunnyOne]

I'd tell my younger self to worry less and stop chasing tech stocks (2001 anybody?) LOL.
I'd also tell her that even though her romantic partner professed a great interest in learning about building wealth, to consider that past may be protocol. Leopards can't change their spots - but somehow you just never expect them to head to a casino soon after exercising their stock options.

I'd tell my really much younger self to study Psychology rather than Business lol

 

[aggie76]

I would tell myself to listen to dad when he BEGGED me to stop the work/martyr syndrome. There will be NO rewards for the missed family events, the holidays, the weekends,the weddings....... He was so correct. Complete waste of so many man-years at work for nada.....
Making up for it now however......

 

[medved]

(1) Move to a place you really want to live, rather than deciding where to live because of work; (2) pick a job that you will enjoy doing, rather than chasing pay and prestige; (3) ask out any girl you like -- she will probably say "yes" and it doesn't matter if she says no; (4) pay attention to your stress level; don't let it get too high -- it really is corrosive; (5) even when in a good job and things seem to be going well, always have one eye out for other opportunities; (6) spend time with your parents whenever you can -- you will miss that time when they have passed away; (7) stick rigorously to index investing; (8) think hard about whether you want to have kids, and when (there's no right answer, but don't just "let it happen"); (9) insist on work-life balance; don't let your company rob you of family time; (10) exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet; (11) spend time with friends.

 

[Fedup]

Probably stick to index investing.

 

[Koolau]

My (nearing) 70 year old self would tell my 20 year old self. "You know you are going to get old. You just have no idea how fast it all happens. Whatever you think you might like to do in this short life, DO IT NOW! You may never get the chance if you wait." YMMV

 

[papadad111]

my (nearing) 70 year old self would tell my 20 year old self. "you know you are going to get old. You just have no idea how fast it all happens. Whatever you think you might like to do in this short life, do it now! You may never get the chance if you wait." ymmv

++++10000000

 

[Nemo2]

I just wish I knew now what I thought I knew then.

 

[imoldernu]

This forum is a wealth of knowledge and is one of my favorite places to hang out. Having said that, for all you retiree's, what is a couple of things that you would go back and say to your younger self if given the chance?

Not known for brevity or a couple of things... My recollection of 27 years of retirement, here.

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/sharing-23-years-of-frugal-retirement-62251.html

Maybe one or two words of advice, but mostly just history.