Gentleman over 40

[RidgeHunter]

I would have entered college right out of high school rather than waiting until 30.

I bought my first house in 82 when interest rates were in the 17% vicinity and I shouldn't have done that.

First one I've ever heard say that. Most of my friends regret going to college at 18. The exceptions being the ones with a constant-demand, specific profession in mind. I know a lot of dropouts and people who majored in **** they wouldn't have if they'd have waited a few more years. My girlfriend couldn't work and cut it both at 18. My friend with the marketing degree a counseler sold equates it to toilet paper.

I'm 28 and I still may go, but I just recently narrowed down the whats and whys. I'm dumb and green now. 18 year olds don't know **** about life. Can't imagine picking a major before I paid a utility bill.

Even my friend with the law degee and the fed job isn't sure she understood what "six-figure debt" meant at 17. She makes about what I do.

Yikes on the interest rate. 1st house was in the 4%s. Current in the 3%s.

 

[120 Acres]

Not done the stupid stuff when I was a kid. It is taking its toll on my 50 year old body now. Damage has been done, now I have to try to live with it. Neck pain gives me headaches every day. Every day.

Dont get me wrong. I had fun on the skate board and doing all kinds of dumb stuff on my bike, its not worth it now that I know.

 

[JB Books]

Ok, my lad, you asked for it. Here is Uncle JB's formula for success. Despite some business set backs and dealing with more than my fair share of sh***y people, I've done extremely well and been fairly happy through all of it. Can't guarantee it will work for you, but it sure has worked for me (and a couple of friends who actually listened and tried it.)




1. Don't worry about what anybody thinks of you. They aren't paying your bills, and usually most negativity is based in jealousy. For the most part, these people are extremely unhappy with their lives, no matter how they try to portray themselves. They just don't matter.

2. Don't be too nice, or too giving. If you do, don't expect others to be honorable. They won't be. Mostly people will use and screw you over. I've done some serious favors for people, and they have turned out to be total scum.

3. Don't spend too much time thinking about, and judging, other people, even the scum mentioned above. They are not worthy of your thoughts and energy.

4. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Don't waste time trying to change people, or change your behavior to accommodate them. People rarely change their inherent nature. Don't waste your time.

5. Avoid people who engage in unnecessary drama. Just avoid them. They are psychic vampires. Doesn't matter if they are friends, family, romantic interests, co-workers, or forum members (ha ha), just AVOID them. They add nothing but misery and inconvenience to your life.

6. Make some long term investments as a young person. You have time on your side. I made a lot deal of money from the ages of 21-23. I pissed it all away on cars, clothes, and women. Had I invested just a bit, I'd be in an even better position today.

7. Get a hobby you enjoy that can also be a little profitable. I have a friend with a gun collection worth $2 mil +. He just started collecting in college. Was very strict about condition, etc., and now has a major asset. Also, know a guy who deals in graded coins. He started off as a kid, and now does VERY well.

8. If you are not married yet, take your time and find a friend and a partner. Find someone who is down to earth and shares your values, but is different enough from you to see people and circumstances from another perspective. My wife is my greatest treasure. She has been absolutely critical to our success. (and she's really hot, so that's a bonus)

9. Have some goals and plans on how to reach them. You may completely change them at some point. However, this allows you to measure your progress, and helps you on the blah days.

10. Enjoy your life. Even the bad times. They strengthen you. The bitter makes the sweet all the better.

11. Realize that EVERYONE is afraid and insecure on some level. The more they deny it, the greater their fear.

12. Fear is a part of life. You will be afraid about relationships, finances, health, etc. It's just part of being human. Manage that fear and turn it into something constructive.

As for doing it differently, I'd have been much less nice.

 

[JB Books]

i wish i would have had children sooner...i'm sad that i limited the amount of my life that i get to share with them by waiting.

plus ten million!!!!

 

[mugsy]

Ok, my lad, you asked for it. Here is Uncle JB's formula for success. Despite some business set backs and dealing with more than my fair share of sh***y people, I've done extremely well and been fairly happy through all of it. Can't guarantee it will work for you, but it sure has worked for me (and a couple of friends who actually listened and tried it.)



8. ...She has been absolutely critical to our success. (and she's really hot, so that's a bonus)

Pics or it didn't happen. ;^)

 

[EhlerDave]

Not sure how to answer. Some of the things I did when younger are causing problems for my family right now. But when those things were done they were done for the right reasons.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

Pics or it didn't happen. ;^)

She's way too hot for JB. I've offered to take her away but she's loyal to him. It must be love.

 

[CHenry]

I would have put $10,000 in Wal Mart stock in 1992 when it dropped way cheap...lol
I probably wouldnt have done anything different other than dated my EX wife longer, then maybe I would have known she was bi-polar before saying "I do".

 

[Raoul Duke]

Ok, my lad, you asked for it. Here is Uncle JB's formula for success. Despite some business set backs and dealing with more than my fair share of sh***y people, I've done extremely well and been fairly happy through all of it. Can't guarantee it will work for you, but it sure has worked for me (and a couple of friends who actually listened and tried it.)




1. Don't worry about what anybody thinks of you. They aren't paying your bills, and usually most negativity is based in jealousy. For the most part, these people are extremely unhappy with their lives, no matter how they try to portray themselves. They just don't matter.

2. Don't be too nice, or too giving. If you do, don't expect others to be honorable. They won't be. Mostly people will use and screw you over. I've done some serious favors for people, and they have turned out to be total scum.

3. Don't spend too much time thinking about, and judging, other people, even the scum mentioned above. They are not worthy of your thoughts and energy.

4. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Don't waste time trying to change people, or change your behavior to accommodate them. People rarely change their inherent nature. Don't waste your time.

5. Avoid people who engage in unnecessary drama. Just avoid them. They are psychic vampires. Doesn't matter if they are friends, family, romantic interests, co-workers, or forum members (ha ha), just AVOID them. They add nothing but misery and inconvenience to your life.

6. Make some long term investments as a young person. You have time on your side. I made a lot deal of money from the ages of 21-23. I pissed it all away on cars, clothes, and women. Had I invested just a bit, I'd be in an even better position today.

7. Get a hobby you enjoy that can also be a little profitable. I have a friend with a gun collection worth $2 mil +. He just started collecting in college. Was very strict about condition, etc., and now has a major asset. Also, know a guy who deals in graded coins. He started off as a kid, and now does VERY well.

8. If you are not married yet, take your time and find a friend and a partner. Find someone who is down to earth and shares your values, but is different enough from you to see people and circumstances from another perspective. My wife is my greatest treasure. She has been absolutely critical to our success. (and she's really hot, so that's a bonus)

9. Have some goals and plans on how to reach them. You may completely change them at some point. However, this allows you to measure your progress, and helps you on the blah days.

10. Enjoy your life. Even the bad times. They strengthen you. The bitter makes the sweet all the better.

11. Realize that EVERYONE is afraid and insecure on some level. The more they deny it, the greater their fear.

12. Fear is a part of life. You will be afraid about relationships, finances, health, etc. It's just part of being human. Manage that fear and turn it into something constructive.

As for doing it differently, I'd have been much less nice.

Don't give valuable wisdom like this away to young pups for free, make them earn it to learn it or they won't fully appreciate it or fully understand it. Rule #2, man. Rule #2.

 

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

I would have tried a lot harder in high school. Been more competitive in football. Maybe tried to join a band (I was a really good singer when I was a kid...but way too shy). Would have focused on a college scholarship and got a degree in the medical field.