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In fact, many had to learn financial lessons the hard way.

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We werent going to get old because we were avery optimistic generation.

We thought itll all work out.

Itll be fine someday.

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Learn Financial Literacy

Linda lamented not having good financial literacy in general for a long time.

As a single parent and a therapist for years, she also didnt have a high income.

I was robbing Peter to pay Paul for 30 years actually.

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I began getting help from my therapist about this kind of stuff.

It wasnt just feelings.

It was, well, what are you doing to take care of yourself?

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So I began to create more structure.

They didnt put me in their will.

It was kind of deep.

Then theyd charge her penalties (like interest), which finally pushed her to make some changes.

If youre punished, you might actually learn your lesson, she said.

She regretted not planning for these healthcare costs.

You need money for all the things that your insurance doesnt pay for.

Dont Live Above Your Means

Armstrong recalled a time when he had more income than discipline.

Budget

Armstrong wished he had tackled budgeting more directly sooner, as well.

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