Don't Wait
As an "older American", I am used to giving sage advise to the younger generations. I'm a flight instructor as well, and I get these kids with "shiny jet syndrome" wanting to learn to fly so they can ...
Forum Discussion
Went to a cemetery yesterday to place flowers on my grandmother's grave. Just a quick stroll through that place can help your perspective. She died old, but that certainly wasn't the same for everyone. This grandmother (and my widower grandfather) gave us their TT when it was evident that they would no longer be using it. We've since upgraded to a 5er and travel as often as work and school schedules will allow.
I agree with the "don't wait" philosophy, but I also agree with living below your means. Problem is that some people's means are far less than others, and they try to keep up. We know many people who idealize the "how much per month" philosophy when determining how much debt they can leverage. We have our fun and make our trips, and we don't go hungry. In these times, though, many parents choose selfishly which leaves less funds for memory making. We don't consider travel-league youth sports to be worth anything more than an outlet to waste money and build ego's. We don't let ourselves get caught up with activities that enhance one child's fun over the others.
We don't have Union luxuries down here in FL (not mainstream anyway), and we don't invest in 401k's. That system has proven no long term success, and every year it becomes less attractive due to the tax code. We choose alternate investment strategies, but I'd agree that you must start young and invest smart. (I think 401k's might be/might have been a good strategy for those older than us, but not for my generation).
I agree with the "don't wait" philosophy, but I also agree with living below your means. Problem is that some people's means are far less than others, and they try to keep up. We know many people who idealize the "how much per month" philosophy when determining how much debt they can leverage. We have our fun and make our trips, and we don't go hungry. In these times, though, many parents choose selfishly which leaves less funds for memory making. We don't consider travel-league youth sports to be worth anything more than an outlet to waste money and build ego's. We don't let ourselves get caught up with activities that enhance one child's fun over the others.
We don't have Union luxuries down here in FL (not mainstream anyway), and we don't invest in 401k's. That system has proven no long term success, and every year it becomes less attractive due to the tax code. We choose alternate investment strategies, but I'd agree that you must start young and invest smart. (I think 401k's might be/might have been a good strategy for those older than us, but not for my generation).
