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
A lady that once worked for me retired early. Her husband was younger and still working so she volunteered for hospice. She came back for a visit and told me something that I have repeated many times.
She told me that when she's sitting with her patients, all waiting to die, they either tell her "I'm glad I did (whatever it was)" or "I wish I would have (whatever it was)".
She told me this about 20+ years ago while I was still about 10 years from retirement. I retired at 57 and for the past 10 years my wife & I have tried our best to be in the "glad we did" category. Thankfully we're still in good physical condition and young enough to "see the USA in our Chevrolet".
The best financial advice I can offer to those younger than myself is to pay off your debt as soon as you can. Then save as much as you can. Do not go into retirement with debt. Keep your wants to a modest level, paying cash or not buying the next best thing (good used things are very acceptable), and learn to live at a level relative to your income.
Experiences, regardless of what they may be, are worth more than things will ever be. And experiences with the ones you love will likely be your most prized "possessions".
She told me that when she's sitting with her patients, all waiting to die, they either tell her "I'm glad I did (whatever it was)" or "I wish I would have (whatever it was)".
She told me this about 20+ years ago while I was still about 10 years from retirement. I retired at 57 and for the past 10 years my wife & I have tried our best to be in the "glad we did" category. Thankfully we're still in good physical condition and young enough to "see the USA in our Chevrolet".
The best financial advice I can offer to those younger than myself is to pay off your debt as soon as you can. Then save as much as you can. Do not go into retirement with debt. Keep your wants to a modest level, paying cash or not buying the next best thing (good used things are very acceptable), and learn to live at a level relative to your income.
Experiences, regardless of what they may be, are worth more than things will ever be. And experiences with the ones you love will likely be your most prized "possessions".
