Dear Future Self,
If you are reading this, know that you finally made it. You now have the life you’ve always wanted. It wasn’t an easy journey, but you’ve come through. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
Good things come to those who wait and trust the process, indeed. And now that you know everything will eventually fall into place, there’s no need to be too hard on yourself. What you can do is be your number one cheerleader. You need it now and will still need it in the future. No one else will root for you the way you do.
Haunted by your mistakes? Keep learning from them. Trust me, they will help you adapt and thrive in time. In case you haven’t secured enough savings and investments yet, know that it's never too late to work on them. It’s how you managed to change your life, after all.
With what you've went through, I'm sure that you know the value of planning for the future. Continue working towards your financial independence and success. If you find this rather difficult to do because of the consequences of your mistakes, allow me to remind you of what you did to get through the challenges your currently face:
- Save wisely. Save money. This is vital in achieving financial independence, and it’s important to do it smartly.
Thinking of getting a new pair of designer shoes? A watch that you consider an investment piece? Another cup of overpriced coffee? Think again, because—spoiler alert—you'll still get to enjoy them in the future if you save your money today.
Create a budget that won’t deprive you of the good things in life and track your expenses. See that you only spend money on what you need and what is within your budget. Find a way to reduce your expenses, too. Spending too much on unnecessary stuff is something I wish I'd done differently. Cut back on your expenses while you still have the time. - Invest wisely. Savings and investments are non-negotiables. If you’re wondering how you became successful in the future, know that it’s because you learned the value of having a savings and investment plan.
Saving money is one thing and investing it wisely is another. You can start by researching different investments so you can learn about the risks and perks you’ll get from them. If you have little to no idea about insurance and investment, don’t hesitate to talk to financial advisors. They can give you an idea of what kind of investment would suit your budget and lifestyle, and help make sure you are making the best financial decisions. - Live wisely. Apart from reducing my expenses, another thing I wish to have done differently is to live in the moment rather than worrying too much about the future. In a way, I have missed out on a few things, such as investing in experiences, people I care about, and myself. I hope you don't repeat the same mistake, so you can live wisely without regrets.
Book more trips with your loved ones. Experience what you have always been too scared to try. Be more mindful of your daily routines as they might affect your health and wellness. Live wisely so you won't need to write your younger self a letter and list down all the things you wished you could have done differently.
My point is you need to be wise in every action and decision you make. It’s the key to achieving your goals and living the life you’ve always wanted. Trust the process, make mistakes, and learn from them. Most importantly, always invest in yourself. When you’re ready, consider getting an insurance investment plan that can help address your needs today and in the future. Find a financial partner who can guide you on your journey. They'll help you identify products that can help achieve your goals and are tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. In our case, we chose AXA.
Know you can game plan your way to reach your goals with the tips I shared in this letter. You can also contact an AXA financial partner to learn more how you can do it.
Sincerely,
Your Present Self
