Today I received a notification on Facebook that someone shared a post of mine from about a year ago. The post was about lessons I learned in the first 30 years of my life and whatever knowledge and wisdom I hope I gained over time. And what’s interesting is this post was all done before I heard about guys like Dave Ramsey, Paul Merriman, Rob Berger and Roger Whitney. I also created this post before I read The Total Money Makeover and Millionaire Next Door (2 books I highly encourage everyone to read whether you are struggling financially or not). So ironically, I was already on the debt free and 401K train, I just didn’t have well-defined directions. But now I do and as I am learning and growing I hope to help as many people as I can in this next 30 years so I can be ready for my 60th birthday advice post!

I will say now I have changed my views on credit cards and financing cars (#3 and #9). Now my advice is BE CAREFUL. If you save the right way and understand your financial status you should never have to depend on borrowing money for stuff you can’t afford to pay outright for. That is a big principle of mine…never borrow money, except when it comes to a mortgage! The vast majority of us struggle with money and that’s why I wrote an article on budgeting, investing and giving.

So, take a look below at the advice my 30-year old self somehow came up with and I would love to hear your comments or even the lessons you’ve learned in your journey. And feel free to ask any questions you may have, that’s what we’re here for.

1. You are loved. No matter how bad you feel or terribly you’ve messed up, God loves you and your mistakes do not stop Him from pursuing you.
2. Family is important. And coming from a broken home, it’s important to recognize we all fall short and need prayer and forgiveness. God can restore that which man has broken.
3. Be careful with money!!! Do not get a credit card until you are in your career/steady job. Never carry a balance! NEVER!
4. Start investing in a 401K early…like the age of 21, 22 early.
5. Pay off debt as quickly as possible. Living at your parents until you do is a blessing and should be looked at that way. There is nothing wrong with that! Make sure you help pay bills or contribute some way at least.
6. After you’re done paying off your debt, STAY OUT OF DEBT. You don’t need that $40k car, or an increase in your credit limit or 5-star hotels when you travel. Learn to live frugally.
7. Travel! Travel! Travel! Especially in your 20s.
8. RESPECT all humans on this earth including blacks, whites, Christians, Muslims, female, male, and all other walks of life. 
9. Save up and pay straight cash for a car or a huge down payment. Don’t fall into the trap of having a car note for years and years when you’re young and not steadily employed.
10. Don’t live without good mentors…try to have more than 1. Mentors and advisors are necessary to your growth.
11. Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table.
12. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you and tell you the truth whether you want to hear it or not.

“You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.” – Warren Buffet