Advice to your 30 something self?

[isisdave]

Until you're 30 or so, you need only one regular credit card, and perhaps one backup. Pay it off monthly.

Pay most attention to your regular expenses, even if they don't seem big. The daily latte is one of these, of course, but so are phone and cable bills. If you don't drive much, the difference between 2.50 and 2.60 for gas isn't much, but if you drive 100 miles a day, it is.

Make a spreadsheet, and track your net worth twice a year. This will take 20 minutes. If it isn't going up, figure out why.

Don't smoke. Don't pay triple or more to drink in bars or restaurants.

Marry a person who's just a little thriftier than you are.

 

[PcflEZFlng]

So much great advice by all the posters. By now, mine probably just adds much of the same, but worth it no less:

Your Health and Well-Being:
Watch your weight, and stay in shape and in good health. You're going to need it more than you know, especially as you get older.
Don't smoke and don't start.
Drink in moderation or not at all.
Take vacations and travel when you can afford it. You and your family will need a break every now and then.

Your Job or Profession:
Be a servant leader and strive for excellence (but NOT "perfection").
Enjoy your work and take satisfaction in a job well-done.
Be humble and show gratitude.
Treat all others above and below you with respect and dignity.
Stand your ground when you need to. Fire your employer if you have to.
Don't be a workaholic. Just don't. No one will reward you for it.

Money, Investments, and Retirement:
Save for retirement starting as soon as you can. Always take advantage of employer matching contributions. That's free money; don't leave a single cent of that on the table. Contribute even more to your retirement plan if you can.
Use debt only for your home mortgage or to operate your business. Make it a goal to pay off your home mortgage as early as possible, and definitely before you retire.
Never, ever borrow money to buy a new car, take a vacation, or to buy toys. If you can't afford to pay for it all at once, save more and wait until you can.
One or two credit cards is all you'll ever need. Always pay them off every month; don't carry a balance.
Bring your lunch every day to work. Don't stop for coffee on the way, either. Bring it from home and/or drink whatever the office supplies.
Be in sync with your spouse when it comes to saving and investing strategies, and big ticket purchases.

I'll be 64 tomorrow. I listened to a lot of great advice when I was in my 30s, and I'm glad I did!

 

[travelhacker]

I concur with this and the financial advice. But I would add some behavior advice:

Do you know how you are? Don't be that way. Try to a better person than you are.
We tend to behave as if it's all about ourselves, what we want, what we enjoy.
Instead, show respect and consideration for others, especially your spouse. Lastly:
Give yourself (and others in your home) space in which to grow as a person.

This is really good advice. I think a big part of this that I am just starting to understand is that it's not just enough to love your spouse in the way that you want to be loved, but to show your spouse you love them in the way that they want to be loved.

 

[SueDonJ]

I find it interesting how many of the replies focused on finances.

My advice would be to get involved in politics, at least involved enough to understand that how your government works will have an impact on practically every facet of your life. Vote every election.