The Most Impactful Advice That Shaped My Life: Lessons from the Past in Today’s World

When I reflect back on my life, certain pieces of advice stand out as having had the most profound and lasting impact. These tips for financial decision-making, personal growth, and setting personal goals have truly shaped who I am today.

The Foundation of My Financial Security

Invest Early, Buy a House: Growing up, I was advised to invest early, buy a house, and steer clear of loans unless they generated income. Initially, I partied and enjoyed my youth, but as I settled down and took out a mortgage, I realized the wisdom in this advice. Mortgages can be daunting at first, but over time, the financial stability they bring is invaluable. Owning a home provides a sense of security and peace of mind, which is irreplaceable.

Education vs. Practical Experience

Education vs. Practical Experience: Another piece of advice from my youth was to invest in your education, but I often found myself focused on having a good time with friends. Eventually, I realized the value of work that suited my strengths, leading to a fulfilling career. Finding the right job is a journey that requires clarity and self-awareness, but the benefits are immense. I find that leveraging my natural talents and skills brings more satisfaction and success.

Empowerment through Financial Preparedness

Be Prepared for Any Situation: A conversation with my mother during a school trip left a lasting impact. She gifted me money to use as a last resort if I needed to leave the trip. This advice taught me the importance of financial preparedness, allowing me to be self-reliant. As a result, I:

No longer worry about debt Have a substantial savings account Own my home Have high-paying skills

The message was clear: I could leave any situation that became toxic or unbearable, knowing I would be okay. This empowerment extends to my personal and professional relationships, ensuring that I never settle for less than what I need.

The Most Influential Advice: Be Happy and Have Fun

My Mother’s Life-Changing Advice: In high school, my mother advised me to be happy and have fun. While I was initially skeptical since she only had to say it once, this simple yet profound advice has guided my life. My happiness is centered around:

Good relationships A great career Children Personal growth and spiritual development Self-care

I ensure that I have plenty of fun things to look forward to, and I always attract people who share this positive outlook on life. For instance, I once dedicated a full year to my Triple Celebration: dining out for every meal, buying 45 pantsuits over the course of the year, and attending parties and clubs every weekend. That year was both memorable and enjoyable, being able to prioritize my happiness above all else.

The Importance of Self-Care: Prioritizing my own happiness is essential. In a world where responsibilities and obligations can easily overshadow personal well-being, it's crucial to take care of yourself first. By doing so, you can avoid the pitfalls of a negative lifestyle and ensure that you have the energy and resources to support both yourself and others. However, if you choose to make sacrifices for others, remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You must maintain your health and well-being to effectively give to others.

Oh, and the schools trip money? I used it just once, but it was a valuable reminder to always be prepared and not depend on others for support. Now, I have no debt, a big savings account, and my own home. It's a testament to the power of preparing for the unexpected.