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What advice would you give to your younger self? Share with Legal & General - NOW CLOSED

(624 Posts)
EllieGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 04-Feb-19 14:42:13

We’ve all been asked this question at some point. Our answers can vary from ‘I wish I’d taken more risks’ or ‘I would have stopped caring about what people think’, to ‘I wish I’d had more fun’ or ‘I wish I’d travelled the world more’. But if you really think about it, what practical advice would you have really benefited from when you were younger? What would you have told your younger self? What would you have done differently? A recent survey carried out across Mumsnet and Gransnet revealed that some Gransnet users consciously put off financial decisions. Is going further with your finances something you might have given more consideration to, with the benefit of hindsight? Whatever advice you’d like to give to your younger self, Legal & General would love to know.

Here’s what Legal & General have to say: “On our savings journey, a nudge in the right direction can make the world of difference when it comes to our financial futures. It’s starting off early, saving little and often over a longer period, that can really pay off*. Although it’s never too late to start saving, what tips and guidance would have motivated you to do more with your money and just get started?”

Would you have taken more risks when you were younger? Is there any information you wish you would have known back then, such as how to save into your pension, how to invest your money or even how to save your money from an earlier age? Would you like to tell your younger self to be more confident in the decisions you make? Or perhaps you wish you’d spent more time with friends and family?

Whatever the advice you would like to give to your younger self, post them on the thread below and everyone who does will be entered into a prize draw where one GNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).*

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
GNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

*Open 4/02/19 to 25/02/19. To enter please post on the thread below. One entry per person. One prize to be won: £300 voucher of winner’s choice (from a list). Winner chosen by random draw performed by computer process.

*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and any income from them is not guaranteed. Legal & General Unit Trust Managers Limited.

WoodLane7 Mon 18-Feb-19 06:40:30

Not to ever start smoking - I kicked the habit in my 30s but I could have saved a fortune if I had never started in the first place

constance Sun 17-Feb-19 20:32:20

Make sure your name is on the mortgage & house ownership etc! Even if you are bringing up the children and not working outside the home, you are contributing to the household! You could end up homeless and with nothing...

gardensgreen18 Sun 17-Feb-19 20:22:20

You don't have to put up with people who hurt you just because they are related to you. Don't be afraid to live your own life and be yourself.

10milewalk Sun 17-Feb-19 19:50:45

To stop worrying about things that may never happen, to enjoy the moment because I'll never be this young again.

Gaynorbanks Sun 17-Feb-19 19:41:06

To not worry so much what others think as can’t please everyone

mosid1910 Sun 17-Feb-19 18:11:38

I have always been good with money, saving from the age of 4 (the odd two pence occasionally from a neighbour). What I really would have liked as a young girl was for teachers at school to stop telling me that I wasn't as clever as my big sister.

katieraven1990 Sun 17-Feb-19 18:11:23

To listen more at school and appreciate my mother more ?

honeyb11 Sun 17-Feb-19 17:35:17

To have been more sensible with my money and start saving sooner

shellyg Sun 17-Feb-19 17:30:43

I would tell myself to continue with dance lessons as I found out that I was being tipped as a future principal dancer in ballet and I didn't know as my mother didn't tell me that. I only found out decades later as an adult. After having an awful 'career' in admin, I look back and think could I have been a professional dancer?

stuffeys Sun 17-Feb-19 17:03:57

Stay away from the casinos! You'll never come out on top.

borderjoe Sun 17-Feb-19 16:59:50

listen to advice you are given but be strong enough to make your own decision after taking time and weighing everything up.

TheWoman Sun 17-Feb-19 16:56:34

I would tell myself to save more in my own name, and not to trust everyone

Juliedean66 Sun 17-Feb-19 14:56:47

Not to worry about looks and other people's opinions so much,as you age you realise it didn't really matter, just be proud of who you are ,try soak up life ,be happy in your own skin .

forcompsonly Sun 17-Feb-19 14:44:43

Just go for it - you only regret the things you don't do

SharonMS Sun 17-Feb-19 14:13:33

I would tell my younger self to worry less, be kind, be loving and enjoy the moment. Life flies so grab it with both hands and enjoy.

Edenar Sun 17-Feb-19 13:12:46

Be positive in every way and turn negetives into positives, laugh everyday even if there is nothing to laugh about, train yourself to laugh, the health benefits are amazing.

denisej Sun 17-Feb-19 13:11:55

Set up a great pension scheme as early as possible and take the fullest advantage of works schemes. Then enjoy yourself and be adventurous. Memories are great and it's also great to have enough money in retirement to continue having holidays and fun.

mitsubzt Sun 17-Feb-19 13:07:26

Eat everything in moderation, Work hard & listen to your mother and father.

Purplecatlover1 Sun 17-Feb-19 09:59:57

Don’t wait until you’re sure your mood can be controlled, it will be too late if you do.

Angelwings Sun 17-Feb-19 09:09:04

I was quite sensible with money when I was young and I had a mortgage and a pension from a young age. I had savings and life insurance too but what I missed out on is travel.
I was too busy being sensible.
So my advice would be to try and squeeze in travel around the world whenever you can. It opens your eyes, helps you meet people and puts things back in perspective.

sadiewoohoo Sat 16-Feb-19 23:45:54

Don't waste time comparing yourself and your family to other people. What makes them happy might not work for you and vice versa. Don't worry about others and their opinions

luca72 Sat 16-Feb-19 16:08:36

Enjoy the moment more.

Toots Sat 16-Feb-19 10:35:07

Learn how to say "No" without feeling guilty.. and basically ALL of the above... such good advice from everyone.. isn't hindsight a wonderful thing?. ?

shaddai88 Sat 16-Feb-19 10:31:43

Treasure and spend quality time with your children and family as you will reap the benefits when they grow up. What goes in is what will come out, so be careful set a good role role as well as been a parent with integrity, who loves and cares for their children and family. Your child first five years is crucial in making him/ her the person you want them to be. They need you not the latest technology and designer wares.

Lyncarol333 Sat 16-Feb-19 10:13:38

Do what makes you happy, stop worrying what other people think about you. When I was younger I was so wrapped up in doing the right thing and thinking of everyone else I often forgot to think about what I wanted to do and what made me happy. Be brave, work hard and be kind to yourself as well as others. After all, your happiness is important too.