As I approach my 50’s my mind-set has moved towards a more reflective and considered point in life. My 20’s are now a distant memory and my 30’s were mostly consumed with children and teenagers growing up and all the chaos that goes with that territory. My 40’s without making a conscious effort have become much more productive work wise, perhaps as retirement does not seem to be something miles away in the distance. Don’t get me wrong, I have no intention of hanging up my boots for a long time to come, however financial security is more important to me than it was in my 20’s and 30’s. I now know that I just had to get this bit right as there are no second chance.
Contact Martin Dodd on 01902 742221 or email him at [email protected] if you would like talk about money issues.
So, what have a learnt since turning 40 that I wished I could tell my younger self?
Here are 23 things I have learned in my 40’s.
- Time is of the essence. Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today, as tomorrow may be too late.
- Life is short. Be sure to spend quality time for your parents as you won’t have them forever.
- Unfortunately, my wife say’s I sometime sound life “Victor Meldrew” and I really must try not to.
- I’ve learnt to listen and not finish off what other people want to say.
- I cannot drink like I used to and the day after is rarely worth the night before.
- Taking my financial future seriously and making sure I save 15% to 20% of my income every year is essential if I want to enjoy later life.
- Doing things with loved ones is more important that acquiring stuff.
- I’ve learned to love gardening. How did that happen?
- I’ve realised that I should share what I know with more people. I can’t afford to take my knowledge with me to the grave.
- Asking other’s for help nearly always brightens their day. We can’t be experts in everything.
- I’ve learned to work “smarter” and “harder”. You only get on chance
- And I’ve also learned how to be better at relaxing. And you only get once chance at that too.
- Going the extra mile for someone else, nearly always makes them happier.
- It’s better to agree to disagree than fall out. I am much better at walking away now than I ever was from an argument.
- I must save for the medium term as well as the long term. No point in having plenty for the long term, but nothing for the near term.
- Friends are either for a moment, a season or a lifetime.
- I’d like to be remembered for having a positive impact on other people.
- It gets harder and harder to keep fit, but it’s always worth the effort.
- I no longer worry if I don’t get a good night’s sleep. I obviously did not need it.
- Helping others achieve a dream or a goal is enormously rewarding.
- Focus on a goal and you’d be amazed what you can achieve, it just might take longer than you thought.
- Sometimes, you just have to take a risk and if it doesn’t work out, at least you tried. Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried.
- You miss 100% of all shots you never take.
What are some of the things you would tell yourself if you had the chance.
This article does not provide specific advice and you should always seek professional advice from a qualified adviser before making any decisions.
Contact Martin Dodd on 01902 742221 or email him at [email protected] if you would like talk about money issues.
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