Comments on: Your Take: What Would You Tell Yourself 10 Years Ago?

By: TiaMarie

TiaMarie — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:03:39 +0000

Totally agree!!

By: Damon Day

Damon Day — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:52:28 +0000

I would tell myself, to listen to my gut and not purchase that million dollar plot of land to develop in March of 2006. Trust the fundamentals, not emotion.

oops, whada ya gonna do?

By: Damon Day

Damon Day — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:48:02 +0000

Dylan,

You basically took the words out of my mouth

I would just Add for myself, enjoy your 20’s you have the rest of your life to work, and raise kids.

By: Chubby Cox

Chubby Cox — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:30:45 +0000

I’m not really one to post on blogs but since this is cathartic…

1. Take college seriously and graduate on time
2. stop smoking pot
3. Going to china, taking that wall street job, and dumping stocks in feb 2008 were good though risky decisions but you need to think about grad school MUCH SOONER. Playing catchup SUCKS.
4. Dont go into Structured Finance stay in muni debt
5. Dont get so drunk when you drink, it’s more trouble than it’s worth

And finally:

6. Save more money…How trite, I know

By: eric

eric — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:05:38 +0000

This post is like a kick in the butt for me to start working harder!

By: shivalu

shivalu — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:06:15 +0000

Save money for school. You will return to university at 41 and get that nursing degree you always wanted.

Don’t EVER take your health for granted. In 5 years (age 40) you will be told you have MS, but it’s not as bad as you think and you really don’t need to waste all those days crying about it.

Exercise and nutrition really are important.

“If in doubt, throw it out.” This wisdom can apply to dubious fridge finds, out-of-style clothes, ill-fitting jobs and spirit-draining relationships.

You are strong and beautiful.

By: Josiah Garber

Josiah Garber — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:52:34 +0000

Learn and have fun!

Decide to stop being shy now instead of waiting till college.

Learn to overcome procrastination before you get out of college. Read ‘The Now Habit’.

Your future wife is awesome!

Invest in Gold.

Try new things.

Learn as much as you can from your dad in construction.

Respect your parents, they are awesome.

Don’t vote for George Bush.

Find out who Ron Paul is.

Look before you pull out in front of that elderly lady.

Go fishing more.

Go to Africa it is awesome!

By: Josiah Garber

Josiah Garber — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:37:22 +0000

Agreed!

By: Mark Wolfinger

Mark Wolfinger — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:04:33 +0000

Get long and sell out in Jan and Feb of 2000.

Then buy puts.

By: Funny about Money

Funny about Money — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:55:50 +0000

Stash every dime you can in Vanguard and Fidelity funds. In May 2008, SELL!

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:54:39 +0000

I would have warned myself about my ex-wife’s intentions and taken measures to protect myself.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:37:24 +0000

Never do what the person next to you is doing… ever!

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:04:49 +0000

Start reading personal finance blogs sooner.

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:51:59 +0000

I really dig your site Cap. You should post more.

By: reinkefj

reinkefj — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:47:54 +0000

I’m an “old fart”. So, I’d want to go back 50 years. I’d tell myself: “Think very very carefully about the choices you make. Write down what you want when you’re my current age. (Hint: You didn’t get it because of those choices.) And, remember that in the future, the “Shouldas, wouldas, and couldas” will really annoy the ever loving out of you. Looking back you’ll say SWC!”

Success for the current generation IMHO is: (1) ruthless financial discipline — no bad debt; (2) a life long interest in learning — education — a degree — they can’t take it away from you; (3) a white collar job in order to save big bux; (4) a blue collar skill for hard times — never saw a poor plumber; (5) one or more internet based businesses — your store is always open; (6) a free time hobby that generates income; and (7) a large will-maintained network of people who can “help” you.

Hope it helps someone avoid these darned “Shouldas, wouldas, and couldas”! (Think the demons that come collect souls in the movie “Ghost”.)