People have said that I'm too young to understand how expensive life is.
(I'm 22 years old.)
(Maybe they're right?)
Nope! I think 22 yr olds on this forum actually have a pretty great understanding of how expensive things are and what is needed to meet goals.
The part that most 22yr olds don't know yet, is
how surprising life can turn out. Many of these surprises result in your making choices you never would have considered. However, a MMM outlook can be well formed early, and become a sort of framework to help you choose your best options.
Some "typical" areas of life that I am talking about:
1. Getting a partner, lots of surprises and new choices there, as you blend values and share lives.
2. Kids and the unexpected "mamma bear / pappa bear" drive to ensure they are as well provided for as their peers.
Note that the MMM framework will help you see what is frivolous to you, and what is core values for your family, but that underlying gut feeling of protecting / helping your kids at all costs is huge and unexpected.3. You, a parent, child or partner having a long term injury.
4. Layoff (and the opportunity to then pursue work in an amazing new direction)
5. Being "called" to a new profession in your 30's.
6. Relocation to a new area or lifestyle.
7. Losing a partner
8. Buying a home, unexpected repair costs, basic home set up costs, buying tools or garbage cans, or ??
9. Being a victim of a get rich quick scam... or other financial "learning experience", like learning about option calls the hard way...
10. Starting your own business, learning as you go. Applies to land lording as well as other small businesses. Big learning curves with the first one.
Anyway, enjoy the journey and keep your values close at hand to guide you through. You will do great.