Dear Max,

Ever since I was a young boy my Dad told me “Pay yourself first.” It took a while for me to understand. Here is what I have derived so far:

• Start saving money as soon as possible
• Start a retirement fund such as a Roth IRA or 401K from your first ‘real’ paycheck – even if you think you can’t afford to do so
• Save a regular amount from each paycheck and consider the money untouchable for now
• If you’ve been working non-stop, take a break
• if you have an influx of money and there is something you really want, buy it for yourself and enjoy it
• Understand the monetary value of your time, and know when to hire someone vs. when to do it yourself
• Do what you really love, because you deserve it

Hope this helps.

Love,

Dad