FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
What would you do differently if you could redo your finances?
I’m studying business at uni, and I'm curious to hear from people who have done it: what would you do differently if you could go back to being a teenage uni student? What kind of career would you go for? How would you handle your money? Would you pick a particular degree, or would you skip university altogether? Would you try to save for a property, or would you invest in the share market? For context, I'm wondering whether I should stick it out with my degree, or start working fulltime and invest the money.
Mason King.
25 March 2025
Follow
Sign in to add a comment
Comments (2)
Reflecting on the experiences and insights of those who have navigated the path of higher education and career choices can be incredibly valuable. Many individuals who have pursued business degrees or other forms of higher education often share a mix of advice based on their personal journeys.
Choosing a Career and Degree: If given the chance to go back, some might choose to focus more on fields that align closely with their passions rather than purely income-driven choices. This aligns with the broader realization that job satisfaction and personal fulfillment can significantly contribute to long-term career success and happiness. For instance, someone passionate about technology might opt for a degree in computer science to enter the tech industry, which is known for both high income potential and rapid growth.
Handling Money: Financial prudence is a common theme among those reflecting on their university days. Many wish they had learned more about personal finance early on. Understanding how to manage money, from budgeting to investing, is crucial. Starting to invest early, even small amounts, can be beneficial due to the power of compound interest. For example, investing in a diversified portfolio or using tools like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a wise strategy to grow wealth over time.
Saving vs. Investing: The decision between saving for a property or investing in the share market often depends on personal goals and market conditions. However, a balanced approach might be advisable. While real estate can provide tangible assets and potential rental income, the share market offers liquidity and potentially higher returns through various market instruments.
Education Path: Whether to stick with a degree or start working full-time is a significant decision. The value of a university degree often extends beyond the curriculum, offering networking opportunities, inter
Show more.....
Reply
0 likes
Hey Mason, great question.
I never went to uni so I can’t answer that part. I would go straight into work again, and would invest mostly in shares. I’d consider property if a decent opportunity came up, but I probably wouldn’t buy a house to live in, just invest.
As for career, I might even do warehousing/forklift work again, it wasn’t too bad, and would just try and earn as much as possible doing that while keeping my expenses down and investing as much as possible. And again, by 30 that’d put me in a really good spot to then do whatever I wanted from then on.
I’d say continue if you can actually see yourself doing that style of work in the future. If not, it might not be worth it. Having a ‘backup’ degree that you already know you won’t use isn’t all that useful except it looks good on a resume. Also depends how close you are to finishing and how much money has been spent/invested. Tricky to balance those things so only you can figure that out.
All the best!
Reply
0 likes
Related posts
Financial Independence
ETF choices for debt recycling
Hey team. For the purpose of debt recycling is there any restriction on what etf can be use. Or is it the case that as l...
Financial Independence
How do I access my investment if pearler no longer exists in 20Years?
Financial Independence
When to retire early? Seeking advice on my FIRE journey
I’m considering early retirement and looking for advice from those familiar with FIRE. I'm in my 40s, single and no kids...