“I started this at 38, but hoo boy, if I started it at 25! You don’t miss money you never had the previous year.”

I’m a lifestyle and pet writer with over a decade of experience in copywriting, covering viral animal moments, well-being topics, and lifestyle trends.

"If you're in the US, get a retirement account, even if it's just a tax-sheltered annuity, such as a 403b or 457. Start out by putting in the monthly minimum, which is often $25. Add a little more every time you get a raise. By your 50s or 60s, you'll be amazed at how much your nest egg has grown."

"Meanwhile, in the seven months after the divorce, she traded the paid-off car for a new car with payments. Financed the purchase of a motorcycle for herself and our son (he was seven). Maxed out multiple credit cards. Took out a $10,000 loan. Co-signed on a car for her sister. Had everything repossessed and had to file for bankruptcy. All within seven months."

"Because it doesn't. Wages haven't kept pace with inflation.

Sad and true story: I was talking with my child (a college senior) last night, and they told me that one of their classmates might drop out because they don't have the funds to finish their last semester.

I advised them to take out a loan for that last semester, as finding a living-wage job with a degree is easier than finding one without a degree. There is so much trauma in this generation associated with student loan debt that irrational decisions are being made."

"I feel that in my bones."—u/BeauregardBear

Note: Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.