This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Here’s some insight into what you can START and STOP doing TODAY
Diversify your investments. Don’t put all your money into one thing; this is like betting all of your money on a sick horse.
Lead your finances. Don’t give the reins to anybody.
Get that emergency fund started asap.
Forget saving. Invest!
Make retirement planning and budgeting part of your job now.
Obtain mentors that can help you navigate financial waters.
Retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a strategic plan for how you want to continue living when you cross a different age bracket. Maybe you don’t want to spend 40 hours a week going into the office anymore. Maybe you want to live off less income in your future years. Retirement planning will help you determine the precise steps you need to execute to implement a sound strategy.
Remember to save, but don’t spend your time worrying about money.
Life moves fast. Get your documents in place.
Whether you believe it or not, it’s never too late to start saving for your future. It’s also never too late to start saving more money. You can start today!
Don’t wait until you’re older to start taking care of your health. Start now, and you’ll save a buttload of time and money.
Social security is never a guarantee. But even if you do get it, there is no need to rush to get it. Be financially prepared to take care of yourself, so you don’t have to concern yourself or feel dependent on the income.
Retirement planning isn’t just about money; it’s about how you want to transition out of this life most peacefully and easily.
Save more. Save more. Save more. Save more.
If you come across an investment opportunity, do your research. If it’s good, go for it. Don’t be scared. Jump in.
Avoid taking on too many student loans.
Save now.
Always pay yourself first by investing. If you don’t, no one else will.
If you can’t afford to buy something, leave it alone and walk away.
The key to success: live below your means.
Money is a tool. It can be overutilized, underutilized, or utilized just right. Learn to utilize the tool correctly through education.
Establish good credit by being a responsible borrower.
Provide yourself with financial flexibility by having an emergency fund, multiple income sources, and low expenses.
If you come across free money (e.g., scholarships, 401k matching, reimbursement programs), find a way to take advantage of it.
Never take compound interest for granted. It builds into a massive mountain over time.
Create a financial plan for your present and future.
If you’re unclear about investing, spend some time learning about it.
Don’t procrastinate. Start investing now.
If you don’t understand something, don’t invest in it immediately. Learn about it first and do some research. Then, make an informed decision.
The sky is the limit. Elevate your mind, thoughts, dreams, and goals.
Take risks, be aggressive, and let loose of conservatism if it will not benefit your financial portfolio.
Invest in yourself with a sound education.
Spend your time wisely. Do you need to put in all of those hours for a paycheck, or do you need to find a better job that respects your personal life?
We often obsess about making a ton of money. Then, we look back and wonder wtf we were thinking. It’s all spitting into the wind.
Find a way to balance how much time you put into earning money and how much time you spend enjoying your money. There must be a balance.
Find work that grants you autonomy.
If you’re going to give away 40 hours a week, make sure you enjoy it.
Take the leap when you come across new career opportunities.
Travel more. Find a way to do it for cheap. You won’t regret it.
Want to know the secret to succeed in your career? Be more kind.
Embrace frugality, but also live and enjoy your life.
Don’t waste much time worrying about external forces outside of your control.
“Long-term thinking is a great way to live as an investor. It’s a terrible way to live as a person.” – The Motley Fool
Know the importance of saving when you’re a kid. Parents teach your kids the importance of saving at a very young age.
Know how a debit card works as a teenager or sooner. Parents help your kids learn how to use a debit card.
Don’t underestimate the responsibility of a student loan. Take time to understand the financial obligation.
Don’t be too quick to jump in on a credit card opportunity. It might look like an attractive card, but the bills you rack won’t be so friendly if you’re not a responsible user.
Open an IRA when you become a young adult.
Practice the habit of giving.
Discover what money means to you. How would you describe your relationship with money?
Before you pay down your debts, build an emergency fund.
Learn to distinguish between a want and a need.
Save more, spend less, eat out less, shop less, and find ways to pay for school for free. Student loans can become more challenging to pay off as you continue to rack up debt.
Don’t open multiple credit cards if you won’t act responsibly with them.
Never opt out of free money (e.g., 401k match)
As soon as you get your new gig, sign up for the 401k and put in the monthly amount that will help you max it out.
Always have money, so you don’t have to compromise your goals. Too many people make poor decisions about their careers because they don’t have money – leading to compromising career choices.
Don’t waste your time and money financing a car. You can’t build wealth this way. Instead, put that money to work through investments, real estate, and lucrative business opportunities.
Create a financial plan and goal to work towards without question. Many people aimlessly accumulate money with no end, goal, or aim.
Budget.
Never try to time the market. You can’t.
Be a more thoughtful consumer. Always ask yourself: Do I really need this?
Always take advantage of any company savings plan.
Article Sources: Sixty + Me, Her Money from Jean Chatzky, Best Life By Sarah Crow, Military.com, USA Today, U.S. News By Susannah Snider
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.