I am 20 years post graduation from my beloved New England College. I want to share a couple of things I have done well and those I haven't to plan for my future.
1) I have always saved and attempted to max out my 401K annually. As a result, I think I should be able to retire when I want. Invest at least 10% of your gross salary into your retirement.
2) I bought a house as soon as I could and have done well with Real Estate.
3) I have bought and sold too many houses and have paid too much in real estate transactions. Suggestion, if you are moving every 5 years or less rent or lease unless a company is making attractive to buy. You may decide to buy a vacation home first to return to for roots.
4) Don't marry too young. I married within a year of graduation and was divorcing 4 years later. Honestly, I was a different person at 28 than 22. Waiting for a couple of years won't kill you and it may save you a ton of heartbreak and legal costs. Heck, Prince William and Princess Kate did!
5) Buy a car you really want but used or plan to drive it 6 years plus if it is new. It is used the day you drive it off the lot. Let some other idiot break it in. This is a late lesson but I am resolved to live it!
6) It is okay to not have kids ... and it is okay to have them. Don't judge your friends on their choices.
7) Embrace your family and dear friends. They will sustain you. Don't let any partner keep you from them if they are important. That being said, if you don't get along with your partner's family encourage them to see them without you. Try like hell to get along with your inlaws... at least respect them for bringing your partner into the world.
8) Properly insure yourself. Life insurance, renters, auto, home owners, health and even pet. Be smart protect what is dear and can't be replaced.
9) Make your financial choices prudent. You don't need the most expensive house, car, or vacation. Find the happy medium. It is okay to live in a two bedroom condo and drive a Benz if you spend your day in your car or live frugally if you love to travel. Don't let others dictate how you choose to enjoy your time and money... just make sure that you have enough at the end...
10) Find time to exercise. Weight at 30 and 40 is harder to get off than 20. It will also give you time to think, smell the roses, and decompress a couple times a week.
11) Volunteer - We all have something we care about or we love. For me, it is holding a public office(non paid), working on a dog park committee, volunteering for a dog rescue. For you it may be a health charity, your church, or in a school. Find your niche.
Finally, balance is important. Learning to say no... Finding joy in the day or your family.. We have one journey with a ton of day trips... make it your own.
