Hey, sweets. Pull up a chair, ‘cause Auntie has some wisdom to drop.
There was a time when elders passed down wisdom so the next generation didn’t have to struggle alone. But somewhere along the way, that got lost. Now, too many of us are out here figuring things out the hard way, repeating the same mistakes, and learning lessons only after life has humbled us.
Hun, I don’t want that for you. I’ve lived, I’ve learned, and I’m passing these lessons down—not from a place of regret, but so you can get ahead while you’re young.
Some of this, I’ve already shared with my 20-something son. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about women—it’s about making sure the next generation moves smarter.
You’re going to make your own choices, and that’s the beauty of life. So take what you need, apply it now, and give your future self the best gift possible: a head start.
I’m sharing this with love—because I want to see you win.
1. Save—Even a Little, But Be Consistent
I know, I know—saving money sounds boring when you just started making some. But trust me hun, even $20 per paycheck will add up over time. It’s not about the amount, it’s about building the habit of paying yourself first. You never know what life will throw at you, and having even a small stash will give you options. Future you will thank you when something unexpected happens and you’re not out here scrambling. Always try to keep $1,000 stashed away for a rainy day, and don’t touch it.
2. Your Job Is NOT Security—Why You Need Multiple Streams of Income
Don’t depend on a 9-5. In our current climate, these jobs ain’t loyal! Back in my day, we were raised to believe that if we studied hard, worked hard, stayed loyal, and climbed the corporate ladder, we’d be set for life. Chile, let me tell you—these companies will drop you without a second thought. After my layoff last year, I am so 9-5 adverse right now. But it turned into a blessing in disguise, and I’m living out my writing dreams today. The sooner you understand that your job is not your safety net, the better. Learn skills, build your brand, start a side hustle, invest—whatever you do, make sure you have options.
3. Treat Your Body Like a Temple, Not a Trash Bin
You think you can get away with eating whatever, drinking too much, skipping workouts, and you feel fine. I thought so too. But your body keeps the receipts, sweets. Trust me, when you hit your 40s, that metabolism won’t be as forgiving. Start now—drink your water, eat real food, move your body. Not because you have to look a certain way, but because your future self deserves to feel good. After all, health is wealth!
4. Investing in Your 20s: The One Lesson That Could Change Your Life
In my 20s, I knew the stock market existed, but I didn’t realize just how important it was. I didn’t take the initiative to learn, and because of that, I missed out on some major opportunities. Imagine if I had put even a little money into Amazon (1997 IPO), Apple (1995 when it was struggling but dirt cheap), Google (2004 IPO), or Netflix (2002 when streaming sounded like a joke). These companies were right there, growing in plain sight, but I didn’t understand the power of investing early.
Hun, don’t let that be your story. The best time to start investing was years ago—the next best time is right now. You don’t need to be a stock market expert. Start small, learn the basics, and put your money in places where it can grow. Even simple moves like investing in index funds, dividend stocks, or real estate can change your financial future. The key is to start—because time in the market is more powerful than timing the market.
5. Debt & Consumerism = Modern-Day Slavery
I need you to really hear me on this one: Credit cards, car notes, shopping just to flex—it’s a trap. It keeps you working just to keep up, instead of working to build. Be intentional about where your money goes. You don’t need the latest everything. Financial freedom feels way better than designer labels. And debt can be a bottomless pit if your not financially aware.
6. Always Follow Your Dreams
For years, I did what was practical—went to school, got the degrees, worked the jobs. I even did a 20-year bid in the military. And while I don’t regret it, I wish I had chased my real passion sooner. If something is tugging at your spirit, listen to it. You don’t have to wait until later to build the life you want. Start now.
7. Define Success for Yourself
Society will try to tell you that success is a title, a paycheck, a marriage, or a house in the suburbs. Sounds like the American Dream right? Well, that’s a lie. You have to define what success looks like for you. Maybe it’s freedom. Maybe it’s creativity. Maybe it’s time, peace, or travel. Whatever it is, claim it and build toward it—don’t let the world decide for you. To hell with the Joneses!
8. Be Solid in Your Moral Compass—Establish Your Own Values
Life will test you. People will try to make you compromise your values for money, relationships, or opportunities. Stand firm. And let me be clear—your moral compass should come from your own experiences, beliefs, and lessons, not just what was handed down to you. Take time to truly explore what you stand for, what you believe in, and why. When you lay your head down at night, make sure you’re proud of the choices you made. A good reputation, strong character, and self-respect will take you further than any shortcut ever could.
9. Know Your Worth—In Every Aspect
At work, in relationships, in friendships—know your value. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you have to shrink or settle. People will only treat you at the level you allow. So set the standard high and stick to it. The right people, the right opportunities, and the right relationships will rise to meet you.
10. Build Your Discernment Early in Life—Protect Your Heart
Whew, hun, this one is major. Love, attraction, and chemistry will have you thinking you’ve met your forever person. But everybody is not worthy of your energy or your time. Pay attention to actions, not just words. Learn to trust your gut when something feels off. Set boundaries and don’t ignore red flags. Protecting your heart doesn’t mean building walls—it means knowing who deserves a seat at your table.
11. Trust Your Gut—It’s There for a Reason
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self this: you don’t need more proof, you need to listen the first time. That uneasy feeling you get? That hesitation? That whisper inside telling you something’s not right? Trust it. Your gut is your internal warning system—it will save you from so much heartache, wasted time, and bad decisions if you actually listen to it. When I think back, I realize that my intuition has never lied to me.
12. You Don’t Have to Over-Give or Perform to Earn Love
Love is not something you earn—it’s something you be. And first and foremost, you have to be it for yourself. If you constantly feel like you have to do the most to keep someone’s affection, that’s not love—that’s emotional labor. Love should flow, not feel like a constant audition. Give from a full cup, not from a place of needing validation.
13. Time Moves Fast—Live in the Present
One day you’re 22, and the next, you’re wondering where the years went. I’ve had to remind myself constantly to slow down and be present. Don’t rush through life trying to get to the next thing. Savor the moments, build deep relationships, and enjoy the ride. Trust me, those little moments will mean everything later.
Final Thought—This is the Type of Community We Need
Hun, this is the kind of community we need—women guiding women, elders sharing wisdom, and younger generations actually listening so they don’t have to learn everything the hard way.
Nobody wins when we gatekeep knowledge or treat struggle like a badge of honor. The real flex? Learning early, moving smart, and setting yourself up for success now—not when it’s too late.
So don’t just read this and move on—take action.
➡️ If saving speaks to you, open that high-yield savings account today.
➡️ If it’s investing, start learning now so you don’t miss out like I did.
➡️ If it’s trusting your gut, stop second-guessing yourself and listen the first time.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once, but you do have to start.
And if you’re serious about doing the inner work to strengthen your mindset, set boundaries, and step into your full power, I’ve got something for you.
💡 My 10-Min Inner Work digital downloads are quick, deep, and designed to help you build the foundation for the life you deserve.
Because, sweets, the only thing standing between you and the life you want is the action you take today.
Your future self is watching—make her proud.
#WiseWomanWednesday