As we look back on our life we can only think about things we would have done differently. So here is a list of a few things that we’ve learned over the years that we think others may find value in: Work as many jobs as reasonably possible. There’s a caveat here: there’s a fine balance with this. Don’t leave jobs too soon or too often, because it can reflect poorly on you and make it more difficult to achieve your dreams and get new jobs. The idea is to not get married to your job. There’s no reward for a lifetime of commitment to one company. Most companies don’t have pensions, an ..read more

“Contract” doesn’t need to be a scary word.  Contracts are, quite simply, “an agreement between two or more parties for doing or not doing something specified.”  While lawyers often get involved in contractual disputes, most of the time, contracts really are just as simple as “you do this, I do that, and (ideally) we’re both happy.”     Contracts dictate pretty much everything (of importance) in our daily lives.  The U.S. Constitution itself, as well as the laws of our country are nothing more than contracts made between people.  Most modern forms of government are built this way; but the ..read more

As we look back on our life we can only think about things we would have done differently. So here is a list of a few things that we’ve learned over the years that we think others may find value in: Budget your income and expenses.Don’t spend more money than you have and/or more money than you have the ability to make.  This includes everything from student loans, to mortgages on your first house, to going out to lavish dinners with friends.  The biggest reason even successful people are unhappy and miserable is because they still feel poor even though they’re earning healthy salaries.  T ..read more

A wise financial counselor once said, “Once you have all your ducks in a row, don’t forget to live your life.”  While many people use this mentality as a reminder for disciplined, frugal people who have “done everything right,” I often think of it as a call to action for people who aren’t happy with their current situation in life. Written in a slightly modified way, the quote takes on an entirely new meaning that most people don’t initially think of:  “Get all your ducks in a row, so you can live your life.”   No one likes being in debt, struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck t ..read more

As I look back on my life I can only think about things I would have done differently. So here is a list of a few things that I’ve learned over the years that I think others may find value in: Remember that you decide in what pace you want to go in life.Regardless of what you do, know that there are people who are going to be working harder in order to succeed in life.  While it might not be fun to think about, these are the same people that will be competing with you for job opportunities and relationship opportunities… and to a large extent, your life experience is a consequence of ho ..read more

Imagine that someone you care very much about asks you to be more empathetic.  What would your initial reaction be? Really think about it, imagine yourself in that position, and honestly assess within yourself how you might respond to that. I think many people would probably immediately be hurt, confused, or quite possibly even angry.  How DARE they not see how empathetic I really am?? How could they ask for such a thing? I would say that while these responses are very normal and quite human, they are not empathetic responses.  It is probably pretty typical for people to believe they ar ..read more

As we look back on our life we can only think about things we would have done differently. So here is a list of a few things that we’ve learned over the years that we think others may find value in: Work as soon as you are legally allowed to do so.   It doesn’t have to feel noteworthy.  Baby sitting, delivering newspapers, and other jobs you “aren’t proud of” all count here.  Doing this encourages individual growth, and teaches you the value of hard work. It also teaches you that some jobs are more thankless than others, and will encourage you to work hard to progress towards careers wher ..read more

As we grow up, we look to our teachers, parents, and even older siblings for instruction and education on new topics with which we are unfamiliar.  We learn how to do math, how to read and write, how to reason. Beyond that, we learn many things on our own through trial and error. As we become adults and enter into the workforce, however, there are many things that we’re either expected to know or benefit greatly from knowing.  Many of these things are not taught to us at any point prior in our lives, and oftentimes, not knowing them can lead to incredible stress. Have you ever heard ab ..read more