1. It can snow a lot in New Hampshire. So much so that it can be totally “worth it” to buy a snow blower. I learned this prior to winter’s official start-date, yet I’m still shoveling.
2. People regret not starting sooner. During 2007, several people in different settings approached me after an event and told me that they had not yet started saving for retirement. Many were in the fifties. No one ever came up to me and told me that they were disappointed that they had saved too much at a young age.
3. It’s never too late to begin. No matter your current age, you are never further from retirement than you are right now. That’s what I consistently tell people who are (justifiably) concerned about their late start. If you’re young and haven’t yet started, now is the best time to do so. What if you’re somewhat older and still haven’t started? Same deal.
4. If someone tells you “yife is buttadeem,” it means you’re having a really good –and probably fiscally responsible – day. If you don’t know what I’m talking about click here.
5. Certain people just get it. Periodically, I am asked a question at a seminar or other speaking event that just blows me away. Despite the fact that the inquirer is genuinely unaware of the answer, the form of her question proves that she is already making incredibly positive financial decisions. My favorite question that fits this mold is “Should I be putting extra savings into a Roth IRA or my 401(k)?” Look, she is going to be in great shape no matter what she decides, although I did have advice for her. Too many of her peers have far different questions, like “Should I lease a $40,000 car or go for the bigger condo?” all while they let their credit card balances rise.
What did you learn during 2007? Anything that might increase (or already increase) the chances you live Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck?
“personal finance” 
“financial education”
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