I Am Fifteen, What Can I Do Now?

[Adrian Grauer]

Hello everyone,

Today I signed up for BiggerPockets. I am a fifteen year old boy living in Texas, and my name is Adrian. I don't know if I'm posting this in the right thread, so please tell me if I'm not. 

I have this constant fear of not knowing what to do when I graduate. I have had this issue since (haha) sixth grade, and I am a sophomore this upcoming school year. Architecture and homes in general have always caught my attention, as well as the tiny house movement. 

Bottom line is, I wanted to know if anyone had ideas of what I could do now to prepare. I've been debating on joining the Air Force when I graduate, but I feel being controlled and moved around a lot with a very small pay wouldn't be a good idea.

A few questions-

1. Should I go to college for investing, or any type of finance degree? Would it help me?

2. Is there anything I can do now, at fifteen, turning sixteen in December? Keep in mind, I only have 900 dollars that I'm saving for a car. I can't get a job until I get a car.

3. Are there any books or media that I should take a look at?

Gosh, I'm just really worried. I've always been that way- very organized and always have a plan. My ultimate goal is to be able to live without the fear of finances weighing on my back. I'm going to be reading BiggerPocket's Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing, but I would very much appreciate any help anyone could give me on where to start. Thank you.

[Leland Barrow]

First of all you have your whole life ahead of you. You are not a typical fifteen year old and that alone will put you a big advantage compared to your peers. I have three daughters so I will give you the advice I would give a son in law.

Life is a journey and the journey in itself is the most important part of life. A little worry is good but too much worry can be bad.

The military is not what it used to be. As a veteran I would not whole heartedly suggest that anyone join. If you are going to join then I would suggest joining only as an officer (air force) or as a warrant officer (army). I would only suggest joining if it is a passion of yours to serve. Being intelligent and enlisted can be a very frustrating experience.

A four year college degree is the equivalent of a high school diploma pre-1990. A Masters degree is the equivalent of a four year degree pre-1990. If you want a career that is rewarding financially then choose an engineering type of field and prepare for 6-8 years of schooling.

You do not need a degree to be successful but you do need knowledge. There are two types of people in this world. Those that get paid for what they do and those that get paid for what they know. You should strive to be the second type of person. If that is your goal then look at life's journey as a lifelong education. Always learn and develop a hunger for knowledge.

Financially there is only three powerful things to understand.

Compound interest

The true value of owning assets

The power of passive income

The American dream is a fraud. The idea of living to own a home that you cannot afford and saving for retirement is the best way to make sure life's journey is boring and hard. Wealthy people have two things that separate them from everyone else.

Options
Time

The more options you have in life directly correlates to true wealth. For example if you cannot quit a job then you are poor and another man's slave. The more options you have the faster that you will accumulate wealth. Always look to expand your options.

Time is the only way that wealth is enjoyed. The more time you have to do what you want the wealthier you are.

Time + Options = Wealth

Read Rich Dad Poor Dad.