Letter to My Younger Self
“Letter to My Younger Self,” the last chapter in Grab Your Slice of FI, ends with a warm, funny heart-to-heart. Monica shares the money lessons she wishes she knew, laughs at her past chaos, and reminds readers that we’re all just figuring it out as we go. It’s an encouraging sendoff that leaves you feeling capable, grounded, and ready for what’s next.
Dear Younger Me,
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You are going to have a great life! I know because I am future you. 😊
​Okay. Now listen up! Your life will be like a great movie, filled with laughter and tears, triumphs and disappointments, anger and joy. It won’t be perfect, but, like all great movies, it will be worth your time, leaving you wanting to watch it again.
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There are just a few “housekeeping” items I would like to share up front to save you (us) some time and heartache. Hold these truths close.
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1. You’ll make mistakes. Embrace them.
Make them quickly and learn from them. Those mistakes are proof that you tried. Even Thomas Edison learned 10,000 ways to not make a light bulb. Perseverance is your friend. If you want something, go get it. The truth is, we are all just making it up as we go along. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
2. Believe in yourself. Know your worth.
Be your own biggest cheerleader. People will treat you no better than the way you treat yourself. Give respect and demand it in return.
3. Forget the Joneses.
Live life on your own terms and not for the sake of others. It’s a waste of time trying to impress people who don’t know you or appreciate who you are.
4. Invest in yourself.
Learning is a lifetime affair. Open your mind to new things. Learn to negotiate. Learn to manage your money. If you can’t manage $1,000, you won’t be ready to manage $1,000,000. Take the time to understand what you enjoy and steer in that direction. Take chances and never let fear be a reason to not do something.
5. Live below your means.
Know what you value. Living isn’t about accumulating things; it's about accumulating experiences and living in the little moments. Get creative and discipline yourself to live on a fraction of your paycheck and invest in a Roth, 401(k), HSA, Rainy-Day Fund, and Travel/Fun Fund. Knowledge without action means nothing.
And most importantly…
6. Spend time with family and friends.
Surround yourself with people who love and appreciate you for who you are. Be all you. In the end, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did.
So, there you have it. Simple rules to live by. Go easy on yourself. You are going to be amazing! Have fun!