By Catherine Alford, Money Life and More
Hindsight is always 20/20. I’m truly amazed at just how much I’ve learned about money just in the last year. I have many of you to thank for that.
If Only I Knew How This Would End Before…
Personal finance blogs have been an incredible source of information and inspiration for me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kicked myself for some of the money decisions I’ve made. At the same time I’m glad I figured things out so young, as I know it takes other people many, many years to get their finances straight.
So, in the spirit of sharing it all, here are 4 things I wish I knew about money back in the day.
I Wish I Knew To Take Out Less Student Loans
I took out student loans because they were there. I even had people older and wiser than I am completely encourage me to do so. I didn’t do my own research, and I didn’t know any differently.
I just assumed I would get a job when I graduated and pay them back, just like millions of other students across the country do every year. I should have realized that I had taken out way more than I should have, and every day I am plagued with the now $34,000 that I still owe for my education.
I Wish I Knew About Retirement Accounts Earlier
I started saving for retirement at age 25, but there are many people who start at age 22 when they get their first job or even earlier. Without a company match, I feel like I am already behind many of my contemporaries.
I wish I had tons and tons more money saved but with extensive student loan debt, all I am doing at this time is maxing out my IRA. I definitely want to read more about the topic and try other forms of investments over the next year to diversify.
Read the full article by Catherine Alford from Money Life and More.
