tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4697121876852690118.post3326272194545821319..comments2009-02-07T07:31:52.316-05:00Katie Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00080415365231970045noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4697121876852690118.post-48565098339886174802009-02-07T07:31:00.000-05:002009-02-07T07:31:00.000-05:00These are great reflections and I agree with most of these. <BR/><BR/>Personally, I think it's OK to use a credit card to get points or cash back, but as long as you're disciplined and pay it off every month. Also, you do need credit cards to build up your credit rating to be able to get car and home loans. I'd recommend getting one like American Express that you have to pay off each month. <BR/><BR/>Regarding college, I did the same thing as you, but in my mind it was worth the money since I went to a top 10 university and it opened lots of doors for me in my career; opportunities I am certain I never would have had access to had I gone somewhere else. I think private schools are worth the money if you will get ROI in your career and salary. My husband, on the other hand, did half his college education at a good community college, then transferred to UCLA. But it took him 10 years to finish college. As a result his student loan debt is a lot less, though and he still has a great degree.<BR/><BR/>Some other lessons...<BR/><BR/>I think living below our means is smart. We are buying a house that is 20% below what we got approved for, so that we don't get in over our heads, and so that we have something left at the end of the month. If something does happen to cash flow, we are prepared and won't lose our home.<BR/><BR/>Money can't buy happiness. I was most miserable when I made a great salary and had tons of disposable income. I worked so hard for that that there was no time left at the end of the day to enjoy life. Time to enjoy life and family is priceless.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the long comment!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528215281248264122noreply@blogger.com