30 Life Lessons I’ve Learned Before Turning 30
This Saturday I turned 30. I’ve been thinking about this day for quite a while, and I know the only reason I’m not having a complete meltdown is because I’ve spent the last week in Paris stuffing my face with bread. Things could be worse, right?
Before I left for Paris for some much needed R&R, I wanted to write a post to reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned during my 30 years on Earth.
It’s still crazy to me that I actually turned 30. How did the time go by so fast? At least I can take comfort in the fact that with every passing year I learned something new, did something I never thought I would, and seeing my net worth go up didn't hurt either.
So because my mantra is “Money. Life. Balance.”, I thought I’d break down my 30 life lessons into those three categories. I’ve also got a very special podcast episode (and my last for season 2) on the same topic, which you can listen to below or by subscribing on iTunes!
Money
1. You Don't Deserve Anything
This may sound a bit harsh for my first lesson, but honestly it's so true. I'm sometimes baffled at how entitled I was in high school and university. Hell, I was still a brat in my mid-20s. I'd like to think that I'm over that stage, but it's still a bit of a work in progress. In any case, a lesson I've definitely learned over the years is that no one deserves anything — especially when it comes to money.
Yes, some of us are born into wealthy families, and some of us not. But that shouldn't determine anything. The one percent can just as easily fall from grace and go bankrupt as poor people can go from rags to riches. To gain wealth and maintain it, you have to work for it. And if you live your life complaining that you deserve a better job, a higher salary and more money in the bank, well good luck to you. I'd personally rather do something about it instead of complain about what I ought to have and go get it.
2. If You Don't Track Your Spending, You'll Never Know Where Your Money Goes
If you're a human on Earth, there's a good chance you've asked yourself "Where did all my money go?" I still ask myself that from time to time. Well, you'll never know the answer and take full control of your finances unless you track your spending. Yes, it is work and will take up some of your time, but time is money as they say, so this is absolutely putting your time to good use.
3. Education Can Be a Good Investment (and Also a Bad One)
I've been to school a few times. I've been to university twice (once for my Bachelor's degree and second for my certificate in Digital Marketing Management). I'm also currently enrolled in a finance course, so I guess I'm on my third round of post-secondary education.
For me, education has been an amazing investment, both personally and professionally. I've become more articulate, business-minded and creative because of it, and it also helped me into my current career path.
But here's the thing, I never played the student debt game and that absolutely had a big impact. If I was $50,000 in the hole with a degree but no job prospects, I'd be pissed. Broke and pissed.
That's why I always tell others that in order to make education a good investment, you've got to treat it like one. Go to school for something specific with actual job prospects, don't take more courses than you're required to cut down on costs, and try to find other ways to pay for your tuition besides going for that student loan. I'm talking scholarships, grants and a part-time job here, not stripping or anything crazy.
4. Giving Money Away Should Be Part of Your Budget
Giving back has always been a normal part of my life since we used to give money at church every Sunday when I was a kid. When I moved out I wanted to make sure I continued to give back, whether it be by volunteering or writing a cheque. I think a lot of people forget about how important giving back is, especially when making a budget, but it is honestly one of the best things you could do with your money I promise you!
5. When It Comes to Money, Leave Family & Friends Out of It
This is something I've come to understand and I don't think I'll ever change my mind on it. When money has come into play with family or friends, things get complicated, feelings get hurt and it just never turns out how you want it to. If you want to have happy, healthy relationships with the people you love, leave money out of it. But if someone you love does need some help in that department, offer your emotional support, personal finance education and a listening ear instead.
6. Use Your Free Work Benefits
I never used to take advantage of some of my work benefits, like massages, fitness reimbursements, work discounts, but as I got older I started realizing that it was just downright stupid not to. Massages would normally cost me $100 a pop, my work covers them up to $500! That's 5 amazing massages for free. FREE people!
7. Don't Spend a Ton of Money on Your Wedding, You'll Regret It
I probably spent more than I should have as the frugal personal finance blogger that I am, but I spent nowhere near what some people spend. Listen, I loved my wedding, but it took a year to plan and cost $16,000. Would I take it back? No. Would I have scaled it back? Probably. Do I tell every newly engaged couple that I meet to elope and save their money? Yes, yes I do.
8. Ditch Negative Money People, They Are Not Your Problem
Preach! Negative people suck, and people who are negative with their money suck even more. They have a way of making their problems your problems, and off-loading some of their negative attitude to you. Your life should be rich in money, life and balance people, so ditch those lame money morons and walk on.
9. Debt Isn't Normal
Listen, I know a lot of people have debt. That does not make having debt normal. We shouldn't have debt. We should avoid it at all costs. So just because everyone you know has debt and doesn't have a plan to do anything about it, that shouldn't mean you should follow in their footsteps. Do something about it. Life on the other side is seriously the best.
10. You Won't Always Be Broke (If You Put the Work In)
This was something I had to tell myself a lot the first few years I lived on my own. Luckily I was right. If you work hard, make a budget and stick to it and just do it (instead of just talking about it), you will move forward in your career, your savings and investments will grow and you will be richer than you were last year.
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11moJessica, thanks for sharing!