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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: sdt1890 on October 18, 2017, 09:38:20 PM

Title: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: sdt1890 on October 18, 2017, 09:38:20 PM
Have a friend that is a teacher preparing to teach introductory finance/business class at the high school level and he asked me a similar question, except for an 18 year old self, as I have been out of high school 10 years now.

For those Mustachians older than me, curious what you would tell your 28 year old self (AKA me today!)? This could be both financial or not. Curious to see your responses.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: forumname123 on October 18, 2017, 09:48:28 PM
I'm not far enough into the future to help (31), but I'd love to hear what people have to say.

I didn't start getting into investing until I was 29 though, so for anyone who hasn't started that would be my only advice. Better to start at 28 than 38.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: elaine amj on October 18, 2017, 10:15:37 PM
INVEST that money!! And understand the shockingly simple math to early retirement.

I learned about the magic of compound interest by my late teens. So we thought we were good saving 10-20% and socking it away in a low cost mutual fund. Missed out on about 10+ years of compound interest not saving a greater percentage of our income.

Sent from my STH100-1 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: sdt1890 on October 18, 2017, 10:18:04 PM
Have a friend that is a teacher preparing to teach introductory finance/business class at the high school level and he asked me a similar question, except for an 18 year old self, as I have been out of high school 10 years now.

For those Mustachians older than me, curious what you would tell your 28 year old self (AKA me today!)? This could be both financial or not. Curious to see your responses.

Also, feel free to chime in on the 18 year old self if you want. I sent my friend the jlcollins stock series and told him, of all the books I have read over the year, this was hands down the best... stock picking is a waste of time and I wish I would have just put aside excess capital at a young age and invested directly into low cost index funds. KISS method for the win!

One other piece of advice I was given when I first got out of college from a colleague was to always evaluate a situation and consider what is the other person's incentive? Why are they doing what they are doing? A few examples of situations I have seen in the last few years with people ... 1) wealth advisors are not your "friends", they are salesman ... 2) acquaintances that work at car dealerships are not your "buddy", they are a salesman.

A few other things I would tell my 18 year old self which I am glad to say I did not do this, but don't buy an expensive car ... spend your $ on fun experiences, you'll never regret taking fun small trips with your friends, but you will regret having a large car payment every month.

This seemed obvious to me at 18, but became even more apparent post college. Don't major in some random degree that has no career trajectory or earnings potential. I see people I went to high school with that took out substantial debt for a worthless degree and that debt is now holding them down and they can't get a job that will allow them to dig out of the financial mess.

Don't have kids or get married earlier than ... to avoid some backlash here, I'll just say, before you are ready, but not at a young age ... I've seen 4 marriages start at 21 and 22 years old, ALL 4 are now divorced (all but one only lasted <3 years) ... nobody knows what the hell they are doing at 22, the last thing you should be doing is making major life decisions.

Ok, back on topic to 28 and on, looking forward to hearing from the members of the forum.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Astatine on October 18, 2017, 10:23:31 PM
I'm in my mid 40's now. Not directly related to money but definitely related to quality of life:

1) Get thee into therapy asap and keep going regardless - there is a whole bunch of crap you're in utter denial about
2) Split up with partner, it's really not a healthy relationship
3) Cut all ties with all family members, life will be oh so much better
4) Reach out to your old school friends, they still care about you
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 18, 2017, 10:25:13 PM
I'd tell myself to go to the doctor a lot earlier for various pains/injuries. I have a high tolerance for pain and always blew things off. "I'm young, it'll heal, it's no big deal." Turned out some of them were pretty serious and some kinds of damage can't be repaired :-(  I'd give away all my money to fix that stuff.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Erma on October 18, 2017, 11:39:04 PM
I would tell myself that it will get better, it will really get better.

It was one of my worst years with a break up, moving back to parents and trying to find a job.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Grogounet on October 18, 2017, 11:48:17 PM
Bizarre enough, I would not make any comment about money, a 28 years old has probably heard all this from his parents... bla bla bla... prepare for your future... bla bla bla... you will regret this in your future... bla bla bla

Most 28 years old I know (especially males) are immature until they have kids when the life punch them in the face.

1/ At 28, your career usually start to become serious stuff, so my first advice would be to stay true to your self, find this balance and what you re REALLY made for. As early comment said, therapy might help
2/ Pushing the one above even more, don't forget to be happy. I found that at the end of 20's this is when life starts to become harder, you have usually less support from your parents, you're free now but with a different level of responsibility. Embrace that and love the moment
3/ You will find who your true friends are now most likely. Pay attention and stay close to them. Don't let work/family/distance get across. Wait too important. You can worry about money later but not friendship
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: pk_aeryn on October 18, 2017, 11:50:36 PM
I would have told myself "your income is high enough you should be maxing out your 401k versus putting that same money in taxable conservative mutual funds" *sigh* *regrets*
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: TartanTallulah on October 19, 2017, 12:09:40 AM
"I know you're only just married, but divorce your husband now. It's OK to be a single parent with one child. Trust me, he's going to change, and not for the better. And then work no more than you have to until your child grows up."
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Grogounet on October 19, 2017, 12:14:57 AM
"I know you're only just married, but divorce your husband now. It's OK to be a single parent with one child. Trust me, he's going to change, and not for the better. And then work no more than you have to until your child grows up."

Very funny...
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: frugaldrummer on October 19, 2017, 12:15:17 AM
I'd tell myself "Don't marry him!"  That guy who waffled a bit over marrying me, went on to have an affair, then another, then left at the 24 year mark in a blaze of midlife glory.

Don't settle for someone who doesn't think you're awesome just the way you are, no matter how much you "love" them.

Otherwise, my 28 year old self made pretty good decisions.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Astatine on October 19, 2017, 12:29:05 AM
"I know you're only just married, but divorce your husband now. It's OK to be a single parent with one child. Trust me, he's going to change, and not for the better. And then work no more than you have to until your child grows up."

Very funny...

? I don't get it.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: triangle on October 19, 2017, 02:18:03 AM
Take the money that you were going to spend on the new car (surely you have saved 20-30K cash for that already right? lol) and instead of buying the car invest it.  Then buy with a beater car or multiple beaters over the course of the next 10 years.  Only buying a new car with the profits generated by that first "new car stash" many years later. Then repeat every 10-12 years over your lifetime as needed.

Point being that instead of buying a car on credit and paying for the equivalent of 2 cars (due to interest payments) and repeating that financial disaster every decade. Buy only one car (the initial savings stash) and let that pay for all your cars (transportation) for the rest of your life. 

Interest rates have fallen and investment returns are variable so the results are not quite the same in 2017 as it was some years before, but the mental picture is that instead of buying 10 cars over your lifetime (1 car every decade for 10 years at a high interest rate so nearly paying for 2 cars each time) buy only 1 virtual car investment at 28, and let that pay you back with 4 new cars over your lifetime.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: expatartist on October 19, 2017, 02:38:12 AM
Wise words from you all, especially about health. Something we take for granted while we have it.
-------
43-year-old me to younger me:

Do: continue to invest in your art career.
Don't: mix up art research with extended holidays.

Do: dump that guy, keep it that way.
Don't: worry, life will turn out better than you ever imagined. Just keep making the work, live frugally, create and follow every opportunity that comes your way.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: dreams_and_discoveries on October 19, 2017, 05:00:12 AM
I love this type of thread, so interesting and personal.


I'd say have confidence  in yourself, and be more strategic about life, start planning a career path that fulfils or delivers money, and stop looking for the holy grail that does both.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: MrThatsDifferent on October 19, 2017, 06:16:43 AM
1. Lots of sex with lots of people won’t fill that hole, get therapy
2. Your body isn’t invulnerable, protect your knees, back and teeth
3. Travel the world, be kind, respectful and learn
4. Don’t buy crap or try to compete with others
5. Don’t use money or gifts to try and buy respect or affection
6. Set up automatic deposits, half of your money into Vanguard index funds, don’t make it a gamble or game, set & forget
7. Spend quality time with all the older people who have loved you dearly
8. Don’t be afraid of math or finances, learn as much as you can
9. Be a bigger champion for women and ethnic and sexual minorities
10. Test your sperm/eggs—freeze some just in case, but only have kids when you’re really ready for them
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: BallerOnABudget on October 19, 2017, 07:41:40 AM
Stop comparing yourself to everyone - it's a total waste of time. Max out that 401k immediately. Have family and friends donate to kids' college funds instead of giving them mountains of shitty plastic toys every year. Shop around on insurance. Drop cable. Have [good friend] get his heart checked before January 2012. Get in better shape.

Alternatively:
1. Save every dime for the next four years.
2. Sell the house to free up cash.
3. Put it all on Leicester City to win the EPL championship.
4. Enjoy your last 10 months of employment.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: meghan88 on October 19, 2017, 08:29:32 AM
1. Lots of sex with lots of people won’t fill that hole, get therapy
2. Your body isn’t invulnerable, protect your knees, back and teeth
3. Travel the world, be kind, respectful and learn
4. Don’t buy crap or try to compete with others
5. Don’t use money or gifts to try and buy respect or affection
6. Set up automatic deposits, half of your money into Vanguard index funds, don’t make it a gamble or game, set & forget
7. Spend quality time with all the older people who have loved you dearly
8. Don’t be afraid of math or finances, learn as much as you can
9. Be a bigger champion for women and ethnic and sexual minorities
10. Test your sperm/eggs—freeze some just in case, but only have kids when you’re really ready for them

Oh ya, especially #2.
And #4 as well, re. don't buy crap.  We just sold all our CDs and got maybe $130 for them ... about 200 CDs, many of which cost $15 each back in the day.  Stuff that seemed soooo important back them is almost totally irrelevant now.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: frugaliknowit on October 19, 2017, 08:33:56 AM
1.  Don't marry or partner with someone "just to be married/partnered".
2.  If you are in an unhappy relationship, fix it or be done with it.
3.  Fruits, vegetables, and exercise are the foundation of human capital as is following up with your medical professionals.
4.  Before you buy something major, ask yourself, "Will I still enjoy this purchase 5 or 10 years from now" or will it be old, tired and worn out?
5.  Invest 50% (or more) of take home pay.  By the time you are 40, you will have the world "by the baXXs"!
6.  Math ahead of emotion.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: FLBiker on October 19, 2017, 08:44:40 AM
Great stuff here!  I'm 41.

@ 18
Meditate.
Stay away from drugs and watch your drinking.
Common sense (like getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising, etc.) applies to you, too.
Consider getting a more practical degree (though my English lit degree worked out fine).
Don't pick stocks or active funds, just invest in index funds.

@ 28
Go to AA (I did @29).
Don't worry about relationships until you've gotten sober.
Find a teacher and study the dharma (I did @37).
Working 40 hours a week isn't so bad (I avoided / dreaded it until @31 and it was fine).
Whatever has to happen, let it happen.

Fundamentally, though, I don't really think telling my 18 or 28 year old self anything would make much difference.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: FireHiker on October 19, 2017, 10:03:09 AM
I would tell my 28 year old self to not succumb to lifestyle inflation in a few years when our income levels really increase, max out 401ks now, live frugally now. If I'd started that at 28 instead of at 38 I'd be retired already!

Oh, and I'd have told myself to try yoga right away instead of waiting until I turn 37. It's been SO good for me. And cut out MSG since that's what is your biggest migraine trigger, although it will take YEARS to discover that...but those are the non-financial things!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: dcheesi on October 19, 2017, 10:07:35 AM
Index funds! At that age I was too intimidated by all the investment choices and details, so I mostly did set & forget, but with a bad mix of funds. Knew nothing about expense ratios, or that index funds could compete with the hotshot stock-gurus, so I was "diversified" into a bunch of actively-managed funds that ate most of my gains in fees and unreliable performance.

I also didn't save enough back then, even though my core expenses should have been very low (single, LCoL, no pets, etc.). No idea where all of that extra money went (well, aside from the huge pile of electronic junk that was accumulating in my spare room in those days).
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: davisgang90 on October 19, 2017, 11:28:27 AM
1. Don't sell your first house.  Keep it and live in it when you move back to Jacksonville (two more times).  That will save you doing a short-sale on a house you could barely afford when you bought at the height of the market.

2. Max out IRAs and TSP as soon as it is offered to the military.

3. Buy your MIL's home when she down-sizes.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Tris Prior on October 19, 2017, 11:29:46 AM
Yeah, all that stuff that the guy you just married is saying about 'I know I'm bad with money but I want to change, will you help me do better?' It's bullshit. It's just words. He literally does not have even ONE positive item on his credit report and that will not change. By the time you finally wise up and leave, he'll be refusing to contribute anything to household expenses at all. Get out now.

That job's toxic and the pay is CRIMINALLY low. It's OK to leave. You don't have to accept poor treatment and poor pay just because the job lets you write for a living.

Put money in your damn 401k (after first finding a job with decent pay so that it's no longer literally a choice between contributing to 401k and eating).

You don't realize it yet, but you're too enmeshed with your parents. It's OK to live your life based on what YOU want, not what would please them. It's OK not to tell them everything. Start now because if you wait until you're in your 40s it's going to be even harder to try and separate yourself.


Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: DS on October 19, 2017, 12:51:10 PM
I am 26 and taking this all in!!!

Thanks :)
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Goldielocks on October 19, 2017, 01:35:11 PM
Avoid Car loans.   Get the smallest loan possible and pay it off fast for your first car, then pay cash.
Move into neighborhoods where your income is likely the top 20% for the area, to avoid lifestyle creep without willpower.

Save for retirement every year, and save with most of every bonus instead of spending.

PUT SOME OF YOUR TAX RETURN BACK INTO RETIREMENT FUNDS! - the tax credit on RRSP/ 401k is just defferred tax that you will have to pay back one day!    I used to spend it all on my July Property Taxes, various insurance, and then take $1-2k for spending.  If only I had rolled half of it back into retirement funds each year.   because...

Don't be afraid of over contributing to your RRSP !!   There are many ways to get the money back before age 65 if you want, and you won't be locked into high retirement taxes after all.


-- surprisingly, avoiding the timeshare purchase, while definitely a poor decision, is not on this list of advice because the decision at the time was ok, if spendypants expensive, it was life that caused it to be a problem after.--
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: JLee on October 19, 2017, 02:07:25 PM
Don't worry, life will be awesome.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: former player on October 19, 2017, 02:29:51 PM
Go to see your favourite music acts now: they will die young and you will forever regret not seeing them live.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 19, 2017, 02:38:00 PM
Show more compassion to your mum. You'll regret all those short weekends pretty fucking soon Sammie, and it will be too late to ask forgiveness.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Clean Shaven on October 19, 2017, 02:38:01 PM
- Don't buy any new cars, ever
- Don't burn money doing stupid car modifications
- Max out your 401k/ IRA/ any other tax-advantaged savings
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: terrifictim on October 19, 2017, 02:38:51 PM
Hi,

I'm 29 and this is an awesome post! I'm thankful for places like this forum where I can get responsible advice that doesn't feel like I'm being lectured by my parents. I wish more of my generation were willing to listen.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Schaefer Light on October 19, 2017, 02:47:56 PM
I'd like to think I could tell my 28 year old self (I'm 38 now) something to avoid the divorce I'm currently going through, but I'm just not sure what I'd say.  Maybe something about how women are more into feelings than men and need you to continually remind them of how you feel about them?  Or don't let your work life impact your home life (which seems impossible)?  I dunno.  Life is pretty confusing to me right now.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: CindyBS on October 19, 2017, 05:19:50 PM
Your 30's will be better than your 20's. 

In your 40's you will go through the most difficult thing you have ever faced and it will rock you to the very core.  Prepare every way possible. 

Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: MrThatsDifferent on October 19, 2017, 05:21:43 PM
I'd like to think I could tell my 28 year old self (I'm 38 now) something to avoid the divorce I'm currently going through, but I'm just not sure what I'd say.  Maybe something about how women are more into feelings than men and need you to continually remind them of how you feel about them?  Or don't let your work life impact your home life (which seems impossible)?  I dunno.  Life is pretty confusing to me right now.

Maybe, men: go into therapy, you have issues, work through them; learn how to communicate better; work on your emotional intelligence; be present in the home and your relationship and help out with any task you think is women’s work?
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: WoodSpinner on October 19, 2017, 06:32:17 PM
So I am 58 and have a few things to say to my 28 year old self...


My 28 year-old self did all right—who would have thought...



WoodSpinner
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: mxt0133 on October 19, 2017, 06:49:09 PM
Oh ya, especially #2.
And #4 as well, re. don't buy crap.  We just sold all our CDs and got maybe $130 for them ... about 200 CDs, many of which cost $15 each back in the day.  Stuff that seemed soooo important back them is almost totally irrelevant now.

Did you not enjoy listening to the CDs?  I am not a big music person but the dozen or so Tapes/CDs/Itunes that I've purchased I think I got my money's worth if I were to break down the cost to price/hour that I listened to them.  It would have been like 5-10 cents a hour which was more than worth it for the enjoyment I got out of them.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: pbkmaine on October 19, 2017, 07:48:08 PM
“Divorce your husband now. This relationship is not worth any more effort.”
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: katscratch on October 19, 2017, 09:38:09 PM
Show more compassion to your mum. You'll regret all those short weekends pretty fucking soon Sammie, and it will be too late to ask forgiveness.

This made me cry. Like, hard. Like, sobs that woke my dog.

Which means: Thank You, Sam.


-----------------

Mine:
Floss your teeth
Love your folks
Invest your damn money now you dummy! Do the math and ignore the heart!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: surfhb on October 19, 2017, 11:50:03 PM
Don't listen to your parents!   Their advice is wrong....buy that house in Orange County, Ca. because its only $159K.   That home is $700K now.

Save your money
Stop smoking
Eat right
Take risks
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: I'm a red panda on October 20, 2017, 12:42:23 AM
Not quite 10 years ago for me:

Have children now. Waiting is a huge mistake.

Take time off work after your stillbirth.

Invest instead of holding so much cash

They are going to turn that country road into a busy city street, buy a different house.

Take more scuba diving trips now. Your anxiety won't let you do it later.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: zinnie on October 20, 2017, 01:27:41 AM
Don't worry, life will be awesome.
love this one.

for me:
-Max out your 401k and Roth IRA every year. And no, just getting the match isn't good enough.
-Call and visit your grandparents and great-aunt. And record more of their stories and history. They won't be around much longer to tell it.
-You're on the right track, and don't worry so much. You get better at life every year.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: BeanCounter on October 20, 2017, 04:20:34 AM
I would tell my 28 year old self-
Don't worry about money so much. Go on that big trip to Europe with DH. You guys will have plenty of money but not enough time in the future.
Wait longer to buy the first house. Take your time and find one that you won't want to sell in eight years. It will be worth an extra year or to in an apartment.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: NextTime on October 20, 2017, 07:51:14 AM
1. Max out your 401k if you can.
2. Don't date women under 25 (if not married)
3. If married and you want children, have them immediately.
4. Keep up a regular exercise routine. The longer you stop, the harder it is to stop.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: nereo on October 20, 2017, 08:06:34 AM

In your 40's you will go through the most difficult thing you have ever faced and it will rock you to the very core.  Prepare every way possible.

Sorry to hear it - any specifics you'd like to share?

To 28 year old me
Financial: You've got a good sense with money, stop trying to do things to 'fit in/interact' with those who don't.

Health: Routines are important, particularly with physical activity. Failure to keep a routine results in injury and loss of productivity.

Relationships: Don't keep putting effort into relationships that aren't reciprocated. There exists a "sunk cost" fallacy for relationships, too. 

Culture: The last season of Lost! will ruin the entire series and make you disappointed that you 'lost' so much time watching the series in the first place.  Ironic, no? Go hiking instead.

Work-related:  Learn big-data management and R now.

In general (and the best advice I've gotten recently): Decide to do things you want to do with people you like & respect in places you want to live.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Helvegen on October 20, 2017, 12:41:07 PM
Don't buy a house in 7 years.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: SimpleSpartan on October 20, 2017, 01:54:47 PM
Stop comparing yourself to everyone - it's a total waste of time. Max out that 401k immediately. Have family and friends donate to kids' college funds instead of giving them mountains of shitty plastic toys every year. Shop around on insurance. Drop cable. Have [good friend] get his heart checked before January 2012. Get in better shape.

Alternatively:
1. Save every dime for the next four years.
2. Sell the house to free up cash.
3. Put it all on Leicester City to win the EPL championship.
4. Enjoy your last 10 months of employment.

Aha completely forgot about Leicester. What they did was incredible.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: jgoody on October 20, 2017, 02:09:05 PM
Buy a duplex or a triplex that has acceptable cash flow for your first "house".  You only have to live in it for 2-3 years and that will be a lot harder to do once you have children.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: MrThatsDifferent on October 20, 2017, 02:41:22 PM

In your 40's you will go through the most difficult thing you have ever faced and it will rock you to the very core.  Prepare every way possible.

Sorry to hear it - any specifics you'd like to share?

To 28 year old me
Financial: You've got a good sense with money, stop trying to do things to 'fit in/interact' with those who don't.

Health: Routines are important, particularly with physical activity. Failure to keep a routine results in injury and loss of productivity.

Relationships: Don't keep putting effort into relationships that aren't reciprocated. There exists a "sunk cost" fallacy for relationships, too. 

Culture: The last season of Lost! will ruin the entire series and make you disappointed that you 'lost' so much time watching the series in the first place.  Ironic, no? Go hiking instead.

Work-related:  Learn big-data management and R now.

In general (and the best advice I've gotten recently): Decide to do things you want to do with people you like & respect in places you want to live.

The last episode of Lost, not the whole season. But damn that last episode, completely ruined the whole series. I can’t even re-watch it now and I loved that show. Guess I’m not the only one still bitter?
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Cwadda on October 20, 2017, 02:41:34 PM
Buy a duplex or a triplex that has acceptable cash flow for your first "house".  You only have to live in it for 2-3 years and that will be a lot harder to do once you have children.

You only have to live in it for a year.  The next day after day 365, you could technically close on another house!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: nereo on October 20, 2017, 03:38:29 PM
I was always an investor, even when I was a kid. My problem was that I didn't save much. I spent almost everything I earned. ...

I cannot reconcile the statements above.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: jgoody on October 20, 2017, 03:45:34 PM
Buy a duplex or a triplex that has acceptable cash flow for your first "house".  You only have to live in it for 2-3 years and that will be a lot harder to do once you have children.

You only have to live in it for a year.  The next day after day 365, you could technically close on another house!

Even better!  Though my 28 -> 29 year old self probably wouldn't be able to afford to close on another house the very following year ;-)
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Zamboni on October 20, 2017, 04:32:37 PM
What I would tell my 18 year old self:

1. ChemE's make more money than Chemists for often the same work . . . .so major in Engineering and Profit $$$!
2. Get custom orthotics for your shoes now before it is too late.
3. Put some of that piddly co-op paycheck in a Roth IRA like Wendi said . . . come on, you know she's your smartest friend. Just ask her how to set it up.

What I would tell my 28 year old self:

1. Don't buy that giant house. Seriously, just stay in the townhouse.
2. Max the 401K. Max the Roth. Profit $$$!
3. Take the job in Europe for a couple of years. Your other half will figure it out.
4. Have kids now . . . it's never a good time, and you are not getting any younger.
5. Feet feeling like raw hamburger meat at the end of tournaments? Why don't you have those custom orthotics yet!?

Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: mm1970 on October 20, 2017, 04:40:08 PM
learn to cook

will save you big bucks and years of bad food and weight gain
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Cpa Cat on October 20, 2017, 05:12:57 PM
18 year old self:

1. Relax a little. Nothing you're doing right now matters long-term. There's no reason to be so stressed.


28 year old self:

1. Visit your father. He's going to die this year.

2. Take the money and run. I had the opportunity to sell some stock in a closely-held corporation and didn't take it. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: rdaneel0 on October 20, 2017, 06:03:21 PM
I'm 30.

To 18 year old self:

- You will figure it out. No one else has it figured out either, most of your friends will not end up doing what they confidently say they will do.
- Keep doing what you love for fun.
- Think about career viability when choosing a major, not only in terms of income but lifestyle. What do you want your day to look like? How much flexibility or structure do you want?
- You're smart to think about saving and investing now, your friends are wrong and in ten years you will indeed be way better off than they are.
- You can't change another person, don't try.
- It's ok to want something that's not what you initially thought you wanted. It's ok to change your mind.
- Keep your eyes on your own paper. If you're dissecting other people you probably need to focus inward. The things you hate in other people are usually things you hate in yourself.
- You have plenty of time to travel, stop freaking out about it. You will appreciate it so much more than most people, and when you finally go you'll be with the love of your life and it will be amazing.
- You are good enough to be competitive, stop underestimating yourself.
- Just because a situation makes you feel the way a past situation did does not mean it's the same thing.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on October 20, 2017, 06:42:28 PM
Posting to follow! I've been keeping up with it, but I want it showing up in my unread replies. Currently 28, so very applicable =)

I guess to my 18 year old self I would mainly say:
-Don't put up with your mom's crap.
-Don't keep putting up with Boyfriend's crap. Leave him now. 5 years is way too long.
-Do your goddamn PT exercises and wear your retainer. Even if you're not under their care anymore, you should carry on with their interventions.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: I'm a red panda on October 20, 2017, 06:45:59 PM
I was always an investor, even when I was a kid. My problem was that I didn't save much. I spent almost everything I earned. ...

I cannot reconcile the statements above.

All gains were quickly realized and then spent. Investment income doesn't have to be saved.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Cranky on October 20, 2017, 07:37:57 PM
Make dh go to the dentist? That would have been verrry good in the long run.

Otherwise - I seriously have no regrets.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 20, 2017, 09:22:17 PM
What I would tell my 28 year old self:
5. Feet feeling like raw hamburger meat at the end of tournaments? Why don't you have those custom orthotics yet!?

I actually did spend big bucks on custom orthotics right around that age. They turned out to be made wrong, or something - they cut through my shoes and put multiple holes in them, totally ruining them in a matter of weeks. The orthotics manufacturer wouldn't return my calls or e-mails so I never got a refund. Didn't get another set for 10 years and by then it was too late. Now I daydream about amputation because it seems like not having feet would hurt less than having them...
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Astatine on October 21, 2017, 01:04:31 AM
Now I daydream about amputation because it seems like not having feet would hurt less than having them...

:/ I'm so sorry, that sounds horrendous.



I have to say, I'm a little bit envious of everyone who's posted in this thread who only seem to have regrets about improving their investments or similar.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: bluemarie on October 22, 2017, 01:12:01 AM
18:
28:
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: MrThatsDifferent on October 22, 2017, 08:54:45 AM
I would tell my 28yr old self the winning powerball numbers for the year I turned 29 and several books to read in the meantime.

That should be enough.

Don’t think that would have helped me. I didn’t know anything about money at that age. Have you read about the people who lose all their lottery money and end up depressed or dead? I would have lived well for a couple years, spoiled everyone and blown it, without developing myself in any significant way. Nah, pass, would not want the easy way, it’s fool’s gold.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: clarkfan1979 on October 22, 2017, 10:19:03 AM
Don't worry so much, you are on the correct path.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Laserjet3051 on October 22, 2017, 10:34:17 AM
LBYM, security is an illusion, focus on the moment.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: makinbutter on October 22, 2017, 12:15:57 PM
mid 30s checking in - not quite FIREd yet but i'll be outta the game for sure in the next few years before 40.  this shit works, who knew.  the below advice goes for 18 and 28 year old me (and you)

personal life:

1) not all relationships are meant to last - after healthy discernment, cut the cords on some of them
2) nurture the friendships that you do choose to keep
3) stop giving two shits what other people think

money:
1) keep costs low on investing (vanguard ftw)
2) keep lifestyle inflation low
3) invest the difference
4) be a tireless advocate for your own promotion/bonuses/etc., nobody else will do it for you and there are material benefits to getting promoted sooner ($$$ = earlier freedom)
5) treat most $ decisions rationally and not emotionally.  it's just dollars in the bank, you can always earn more of them later
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: I'm a red panda on October 22, 2017, 04:02:43 PM
Now I daydream about amputation because it seems like not having feet would hurt less than having them...

:/ I'm so sorry, that sounds horrendous.



I have to say, I'm a little bit envious of everyone who's posted in this thread who only seem to have regrets about improving their investments or similar.

It's a money forum. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their personal life.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: gggggg on October 22, 2017, 05:20:55 PM
I was always an investor, even when I was a kid. My problem was that I didn't save much. I spent almost everything I earned. ...

I cannot reconcile the statements above.

All gains were quickly realized and then spent. Investment income doesn't have to be saved.

Neither, I didn't realize the gains for about 30 years, when I bought my house. I didn't save much, but when I did (tax refunds, etc), I put it into the fund.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: pecunia on October 22, 2017, 06:58:57 PM
I would say, "Step back and have patience with those you love and who love you.  Always remember that they will not be here forever."

I certainly wish I could go back to 28 and see some of those who are no longer with us.  I would try and follow my own advice.

This money thing is way in the background vs the people thing.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: A mom on October 22, 2017, 08:09:59 PM
Be compassionate and judge less. You never know what someone else is going through or how their brain may be wired differently than yours.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Pylortes on October 22, 2017, 11:32:57 PM
Financial advice here.  Not for myself but geared towards the 28 year old who has income and wants a better financial future:
1. Save as much as you can, as often as you can.  Try to increase your income if possible.
2. Use low cost index funds (make sure to diversify to international and small/mid cap too) if you feel unable or unmotivated to follow the advice below.  These will work good enough over time.
3. If you want better,  Read every damn book/website on investing you can get your hands on. Especially read the following: Poor Charlie’s Almanac, Contrarian investing strategies, The Warren Buffett Way, One up on Wall Street, The Five Rules for Sucessful Stock Investing, every Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder letter, etc.  I’d purchase those and mark them up.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: mc6 on October 23, 2017, 05:12:18 AM
HAVE CONFIDENCE!  In your brains, looks, studied, whatever.  Don’t doubt yourself.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: formerlydivorcedmom on October 23, 2017, 08:36:56 AM
1) Don't skimp on dental care.  The generic mouthguard I purchased for $10 in my 20s, to help my chronic teeth grinding was too small for my mouth and caused my jaw to shift, which resulted in $5k worth of braces in my 30s.  I wish I'd spent the $200 on a custom mouth guard.

2) Have regular medical checkups.  I had my first pre-cancerous mole removed at 18. 

3) Know who you are and what your values are, and be true to yourself, always.  If you make decisions according to your values, you won't have many regrets...even if the outcome isn't what you originally wanted.  You also spend a lot less time trying to control outcomes, which is crazy making.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: iris lily on October 23, 2017, 08:51:44 AM
When I was 28 I was very frugal.That girl had nothing to learn from my 63 year old self, about money snyway. I have a few things to say to the 50 and 55 year old, however! Having more assets and financial choices later in life can result in some stupid vhoices.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: iris lily on October 23, 2017, 10:28:54 AM
"Enjoy life and splurge occasionally a bit more or plan to retire earlier with less (my plan was to FIRE at 50 with quite high NW).  You are saving so much, you may be over saving relative to your plan. You can live very well on less than $200k/yr."

That, and 'take a summer in Europe having fun before starting work'.  I was in a big hurry to start making money in my early 20s and went straight to work on graduating, as well as worked while studying.  Easily could have taken a summer or year off sometime early on.

The 24 year old me went to Europe on a shoestring for six weeks beofre starting grad school. Used up most of my savings. No regrets.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Marley09 on October 23, 2017, 11:26:19 AM
You don't realize it yet, but you're too enmeshed with your parents. It's OK to live your life based on what YOU want, not what would please them. It's OK not to tell them everything. Start now because if you wait until you're in your 40s it's going to be even harder to try and separate yourself.

This really hit home for me...I am still very enmeshed at 32 and am now trying to tell myself to live my life based on what I want and my goals.

What I would tell myself (I have always been fairly frugal): College and First Job timeframe, 18-23 years old 

1. Even though the scale does not say the number you want: you are thin and beautiful, strong and healthy.  You will look back after kids and wish you could be that thin and strong again.
2. Live up to your own values; having a closet full of lilly pulizter dresses and jewelry from Tiffany's doesn't make anyone a better person or even worth looking up to.
3. Travel more (it is sooo much harder with kids)
4. Build better relationships with friends and then nurture those friendships
5. Don't listen to your father when he tells you not to put money in the 401k at your first job
6. Contribute to max 401k and Roth IRA...why do you need all of that money in your savings account not doing anything for you??
7. Invest the money you save monthly for "rent" while living at home
8. At work, know your worth and don't feel guilty about pushing for promotions, raises, etc. 
9. Be more adventurous and enjoy life!

Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: iris lily on October 23, 2017, 11:47:11 AM
Oh I know, I would tell my 28 year old self "throughout your life you will be confident you do not want children, and guess what? You are right! You will have no regrets about not having children. You will have a couple of instances of curiosity about children (around age 40) and grandchildren (around age 60) but these are fleeting thoughts. No regrets!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: socaso on October 24, 2017, 11:00:26 AM
Every year you will get hit with about $3k-$5k of unexpected expenses. Therefore it's not that unexpected so put $$ aside every month so you aren't screaming with pain every time this rolls around. Also, when you finally purchase a house you need to have an emergency account for the inevitable home repairs you are going to encounter after living there. Don't blow everything on the down payment.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: TheCatWhisperer on October 24, 2017, 09:48:35 PM
Great thread.

1. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and show love for the people you care about. It doesn't mean you're weak..in fact, quite the opposite.
2. Buying a bunch of stuff won't make you happy.
3. Set boundaries on your time, body, emotions, and alcohol consumption
4. Even though your parents didn't teach you shit about money, you are going to figure this out. Trust yourself.
5. A traditional savings account is not where you put your extra money. This is what Vanguard is for.
6. You will enjoy your 30s more than your 20s!!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Paul der Krake on October 24, 2017, 10:14:04 PM
Short Equifax.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: okits on October 24, 2017, 10:42:01 PM
A lot of the effort you make now, to improve yourself, save money, build your career, create great memories with friends, and pursue what you really want will pay off later.  Your 30s will have lots of happiness.

Also, short Equifax.  ;)
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: albireo13 on October 25, 2017, 04:40:10 AM
Never buy a car new !!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Tester on October 25, 2017, 11:28:49 AM
I am sure others mentioned this but here I go.

In no particular order:

- Exercise/practice. I am 39 now, 5 foot 11 and I can still touch the rim - without any real targeted exercise/practice. I can only imagine what I could have done with targeted practice and real effort...
- It is never too late to start something. For this I have to do something I have in mind and then I will come back with the example :P.
- Take risks when needed, wait when needed. Did not buy Amazon at 35 USD. Sold Amazon at 150, 200 USd... EDIT: I had enough information to make me understand I should have done that. I even talked with my wife about buying at 35 :).
- Do not live in the past - I do not stress about the things above - although if I would have done the "correct" thing now I would have around 1.5 million USD :).
- Be grateful of what you have: I have a great family and am still in good enough health. And although I made some mistakes and started only 2.5 years ago to save some money I am already at 200k USD net worth.
- Get lucky: I think I am a very lucky person. Everytime I focused on a goal and got motivated I got it.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: cl_noll on October 30, 2017, 08:24:59 AM
33 here - To my 28 y/o self: Sometimes, when you're not happy in a relationship, realize you're at least an equal contributor to the situation.  Force yourself to discuss your feelings and needs with your SO.

Get help for depression, anxiety, and talk through your issues with a pro. You're not too busy and overwhelmed to figure out how to use your insurance!

Get a cheaper apartment. Don't spend down your savings to allow the both of you to live just beyond your means.

Work more 40 hr wks. All that time you wasted with didn't enrich your life, and you pissed away savings and vacation opportunities because you were too broke!

Disagreements resulting from her poor sense of the value of money were something you should have attempted to resolve directly, not passive aggressively

To my 18 y/o self: Even if you don't think you can't save, find $20/wk to invest. Your network would be doubled in 2017! 

Get diagnosed for ADD, manage it, and watch your horizons expand!

To my 33 y/o self - Sit at home less, forge new friendships, let go and realize you only get so many chances, so make them count.

One last edit - to my 18 y/o self - regrettably, you will have to learn most of this the hard way as understanding often only comes with having the experience and living with the consequences!
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Dmy0013 on October 30, 2017, 09:39:27 AM
Well I'm only 30 but my advice would be as follows.

To the 28 year old me.

Your about to be a dad in 6 months, all of your priorities in life are about to change.  Your view on life is about to change.
Stop stressing out about work and money - as mentioned above your view on all of this is about to change.
Tell your mom your upset with her, but you forgive her (still haven't done this)
"behind every great man there is a great woman" could not be more true, put in more effort to let your wife know this.
That job you really enjoy but are about to quit because you really dislike your boss.  Don't quit, he is going to get fired two days after you quit.
Stop sitting on idle cash, throw it into an ETF or something and be done with it.
Don't try and time the housing market, its like every other market in life chances are your gonna time it wrong...

To the 18 Year old me
Stop smoking immediately
Your about to become a border line alcoholic - seek help
Don't work stupid hours at a stupid job just to blow all your money on stupid stuff - work a normal job with normal hours and invest time into friendships.
That new job your gonna take in a year and spend the next 8 years stressing out about doing everything perfect and being the best person in the company.  Its going to go through a hostile takeover and your going to end up with a lot of health issues from stress and strain on your relationships and quit.  So stop worrying about being the best at a job your going to leave.
Don't ever lie to yourself and think you understand how money works, how investing works.  Your not a professional investor, put your money in something that is easy to manage and be done with it.
Invest time in friendships

Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Acastus on October 30, 2017, 12:20:49 PM
Don't let your company psych you out. They will not promote you if you finish your degree, but someone else will. Finish your degree while you don't have kids. Your future success will be your reward. Then you can rub their face in it.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: purple monkey on October 30, 2017, 02:01:01 PM
learn to cook

will save you big bucks and years of bad food and weight gain

+1
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: CindyBS on November 11, 2017, 04:33:59 PM

In your 40's you will go through the most difficult thing you have ever faced and it will rock you to the very core.  Prepare every way possible.

Sorry to hear it - any specifics you'd like to share?

To 28 year old me
Financial: You've got a good sense with money, stop trying to do things to 'fit in/interact' with those who don't.

Health: Routines are important, particularly with physical activity. Failure to keep a routine results in injury and loss of productivity.

Relationships: Don't keep putting effort into relationships that aren't reciprocated. There exists a "sunk cost" fallacy for relationships, too. 

Culture: The last season of Lost! will ruin the entire series and make you disappointed that you 'lost' so much time watching the series in the first place.  Ironic, no? Go hiking instead.

Work-related:  Learn big-data management and R now.

In general (and the best advice I've gotten recently): Decide to do things you want to do with people you like & respect in places you want to live.

My son got cancer last year.  He is currently 14, 13 at diagnosis.  My son was not outwardly sick when he was diagnosed, so it was very shocking.   Childhood cancer is like a bomb going off in your life.  I have had friends die of cancer, I have had a parent with cancer - neither one came remotely close to this. 

I am pleased to report he is doing pretty well, cancer free, and is gradually integrating back into a normal life.  DH and I are slowly picking up the pieces as well. 
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: montgomery212 on November 11, 2017, 08:20:59 PM
So much stuff -- mid-30s myself and this is what the last decade has taught me:

(i) If there are options, take the job requiring long hours/harder work/more travel/more stress (assuming it pays more of course) or if you're hourly, work as much overtime as you can get in your 20s. Don't mommy or daddy track your career until and unless you really need to. Don't worry about what'll happen when you burn out. Reality is you will never have more energy than you do in your 20s. You will only grow more tired in your 30s (and I assume 40s-50s). So endeavor do take on the higher paying harder jobs right up front, make your money upfront and then if/when you need or want to cut back, you can take than 9-5 clocking in/clocking out job and still be on a good road with savings, down payments etc.

(ii) Max out the 401k to 18k starting day 1 (or as close as you can get).

(iii) After the 401k (and IRA if you qualify) are maxed out, start a brokerage account as soon as you can. I didn't really start investing until 32-33 -- and that was only because I was seeing that my 401k was growing month after month, so I figured why not replicate that in an investment account that is NOT specifically for retirement -- that I can tap into for life expenses before age 65. I wish I had started at 28. And treat it just like a 401k -- put in a specified $ amount into indices/funds every pay period/month. It won't grow if you throw in a few thousand here and there and forget about it.

(iv) Have some fun and make some "real" friends. Maybe this is just me but around 28 is when I started to lose touch with college/law school friends -- some due to distance, some bc people realized that we were just friends bc we had been in the same class. And my high school friends -- those faded away before bc by 28 most were married with 2 kids living in the same small town where we grew up working whatever jobs were available and couldn't/didn't want to relate to a single female who was a big city lawyer at 28 who worked all the time etc. So pick up a few friends at this age -- they likely have similar life/professional goals so these ones may stick in your life.

(v) Maybe not so much at 28 (though if you can - great), try to retain some aspects of college/grad school living if you can even if you've graduated into a big time job where you don't need to live in a studio apartment or whatever. If you can extend that type of living for an additional few years, you will be that much further ahead financially - compared to if you get yourself the nicest luxury apartment in the best neighborhood; and if you're doing #1 -- you aren't going to be home a ton anyway.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Merrie on November 11, 2017, 10:26:35 PM
You're about to have way more money than before. Don't fritter it away. Pay off the student loans and save up for a decent down payment. Let your husband whine about the size of the townhouse for a bit longer.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Retire-Canada on November 11, 2017, 10:32:36 PM
For those Mustachians older than me, curious what you would tell your 28 year old self (AKA me today!)? This could be both financial or not. Curious to see your responses.

Buy 4 single family homes in Vancouver 20 years ago.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Goldielocks on November 12, 2017, 10:31:50 AM
For those Mustachians older than me, curious what you would tell your 28 year old self (AKA me today!)? This could be both financial or not. Curious to see your responses.

Buy 4 single family homes in Vancouver 20 years ago.

Ack.  I was in that market 20 years ago, and can tell you that I moved to Calgary to buy a home because I saw a DINK 2 income, engineering couple with about 8-10 years of experience -- struggle to buy a East Van special near commercial drive, with major renovations needed, and need a basement suite to make it work.   Truly, no maintenance on the place in 30 years.

$385k plus immediate $$$ renos needed....  seems low but their combined incomes were likely $90k/yr, so salaries were low, too.   Interest rates were 6.5%.

This seems like no brainer advice to the 28 year old you... but you need the money to make it happen.e
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Retire-Canada on November 12, 2017, 11:16:34 AM
This seems like no brainer advice to the 28 year old you... but you need the money to make it happen.

For sure. I was making over $100K/y in 1997 single with no debt so I could have started the ball rolling with one property and then built up to 4 as time went on. The S&P was at ~800 in 1997 so that would be a good option as well, but it would be much easier to leverage my money with rental houses.
Title: Re: What would you tell your 28 year old self if you could go back in time?
Post by: Linea_Norway on November 12, 2017, 01:31:48 PM
I would like to tell my 28 year old self how much you need to retire. I had no idea and thought we needed multiple million dollars to early retire.
I would also have warned me to not fall for buying the clown house we live in now. That was you because we had saved so much that it as possible to buy an expensive house. It was not smart.