I just finished a post on my personal blog about my lessons and takeaways from my 20’s. I couldn’t help but have similar thoughts about all that I have learned in this hobby of personal finance that I’ve developed.
I came up with four takeaways from my 20’s: Learn, Step off the Path, Commit, and Prepare.
Learn
It is wild that I was 21 when my college roommate mentioned reading Mr. Money Mustache. I was interested the way you’re interested when someone tells you about the latest wild headline. It’s cool, but not life changing.
At the time I had no plans for saving, and no credit card. Just worried about my next exam.
To my surprise, three years later I would start binge reading all of Mr. Money Mustache and other financial blogs. The knowledge made more sense once I could apply it, and I was hooked on personal finance learning.
The first takeaway from my 20’s is that I can always learn more, no matter the topic!
Step off the Path
At 22 years old, fresh out of engineering school, I turned down the job at my internship to spend two years as a Catholic missionary.
This decision did not make sense logically or financially. In fact, I traded a guaranteed salary for trusting that God would provide through my fundraising efforts to fund my mission. Yet, part of me knew it was the right move for my life.
Now I know that I am not alone. There are many ways to live Financial Independence. The book, Taking Stock, outlines a story of three brothers on a trail. The oldest works hard and pushes to the end. The middle takes some stops along the way to appreciate the scenery. The youngest enjoys the path, taking his time.
The result of my decision to step off the path was very little financial growth for two years, but the benefits will forever impact my life and the lives of my family. I met my wife through the mission.
My marriage and my two kids wouldn’t exist if I didn’t step off the path. Joy is worth the cost, and this joy is worth anything I could give!
Commit
At 24, I got married. Marriage and family life are an extraordinary commitment that requires giving of yourself, but it is this giving that is the meaning of life!
Financially, commitment is important too. It takes discipline to commit to saving that emergency fund. It is tough at first to trick yourself into saving for your future when it seems so far away. But by committing and staying the course, you see growth in the long run that really adds up, both in our relationships and our finances.
This leads to my last takeaway from my 20’s.
Prepare
My final takeaway is to prepare.
“Be prepared”
I’ve heard this countless times growing up in Scouting, but now at 29, I’m starting to appreciate this lesson.
When I wanted to buy Katie a ring, I was glad that I was prepared with some money set aside. Later, when we decided to move our family and buy a home, we were lucky to be prepared with a decent down payment. Medical bills, home renovations, you name it, they require good preparation.
Today, being prepared is trying to save up for our dreams in the future. We will be thankful in the future if we have savings for some land someday, kids, retirement, and eventually having a will.
The Main Takeway
Whether in finances, faith, or life in general, I will be sure to hang onto these lessons.
Always learn, because there is always more ways to look at it. Step off the path once in a while to see where you are and appreciate it. Commit to taking on responsibilities that will be more meaningful in the long run. Lastly, prepare well for life, and prepare well for Heaven.
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