Daily Prompt – June 23, 2026

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?

Follow your heart. Don’t let society control your life. Be authentic. Start saving early.

There’s lot of advice I would give those younger than me. Some of it comes from lived experience and some from watching the direction of the world and their generations and wanting to help them from making mistakes.

I think the first 3 things I listed are easier for the newer generations than they were for mine but it’s still good for them to hear. It can be challenging to not let other people’s expectations interfere with the direction you want to take your life. However, the best life is found by being true to yourself even if it’s hard and not the most luxurious.

I think the saving thing is the one that younger people need to hear more. And I’m not even talking about for retirement. I’m the last person to give advice on that. I’m sure I’m not as well set for that stage of life as I should be or could be but it also doesn’t fit my current philosophy of work to live not live to work. I don’t want to lose so much of my income to retirement savings that I might never get to enjoy. I’d much rather enjoy life now.

No, I mean make sure you have a buffer, that your bank account is never 0 and your credit cards are never maxed. Yes I advocate for them to have credit cards, 2 at least. But they need to be taught how to use them and all that. I was fortunate in that. Always have a few months of rent and car payment saved up. Don’t touch it unless it’s absolutely needed. Put money into savings. This is the stuff I mean. Don’t blow your paycheck every time on random things or even essentials without first making sure that you are setting up for the what ifs. I don’t think younger people understand the value of money as well as they should because so much has been handed to them.

I would end with learn to be self sufficient. If you have the money and the ability to do for yourself, do it. Don’t depend on mom and dad, they won’t always be there so the sooner you stop expecting them to save you the better. It will create a healthier relationship anyways.