Advice for you 17 year old self.

[starshard0]

I think I would have to tell my 17 year-old self (2 years ago, woo!) that I should save money instead of spending it all on useless stuff.

[mobilephone7]

to save money and do the part time job you can do.

[starshard0]

I think some advice that would apply more to myself than most 17 year olds would be to be a miser with my money. I spent way to liberally at that age, without even thinking what I might need it for down the road.

[thrift_in_time]

Write down everything you spend in a notebook - and I do mean everything! Whatever you get paid - account for it - know where your money is going then adjust to make it work better. Get into the habit now!
Save 10% of every pay
Never pay retail if you can help it
Ask for discount for cash on large items that you have saved for
Write down a financial/self plan beginning after you recover from New Years Eve for the coming year - not resolutions they are forgotten before January ends usually
Know your weaknesses and try to make them strengths
Be proactive - remember emotion affects judgement
Write down three things you are grateful for every day
Listen and learn

[wkc]

Not trying to sound like a life coach... But, I assume your next big choice is about what to do after high school ?

first thing :
1: Figure out what you want to be ?
a) working hard, make good money, be "successful"
b) putting moderate effort, find a stable job in gov, be "stable"

I put quotes on both successful / stable because they are relative terms.
There is nothing wrong with your choice. But you need to know what you want !

2: if your pick is a), put your heads down and start work your ass off. Don't buy into those craps about successful ppl don't need education. Get into the best school you can for post education.

-For money matters, I won't suggest you to be too frugal. Just don't waste money on alcohol , table dancing, porn dvd (well, download them if you must) and other stuff. Spend money on things you really enjoy and good for you. But, do start saving, you won't save much. But, the valuable part is the habit. Don't cut back on your food to save money. You need to eat healthy. After all, your body is the only thing that belongs to you, at least physical thing).

[egray]

Originally Posted by amyschiff

I would have tried to make a little more time for socializing when I was 17. Between school, dance and piano lessons (which I don't regret one bit), and a part-time job, it didn't leave a lot of time to just do normal teenager things. I did very well in school but I think I still could have while making a little time for socializing.

For me, the opposite: wish I'd have spent less time socialising and more time getting my stuff together! It's easy to get distracted at that age, but remember your brain is far better at learning than it will be in 10 years. Use it!

[RickLee]

..you cannot pick your family, but with friends you can have your choice. Be friendly to everyone, but who you spend lots of time with will make a big difference in your grades, your attitudes, your opportunities, your spending and saving habits, even your health.

One of my teachers taught me that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Best,

RICKLEE

[starshard0]

I would have told myself to open a retirement account earlier than I did. It would have been so sweet to have that extra year of savings!

[Paper Shredder Clay]

You are smart to ask, wise if you listen.

Don't let people short-change you. You are here for a reason, discover that reason soon in your life. Have confidence in yourself, work hard, and be determined it will eventually pay off.

[Buck Nekket]

You don't need to go to college now! Get a job to get some capital, save for a couple of years, invest in accumulating knowledge on how to make more money and PROFIT!