Personal Finance Success: Was I Good or Lucky?

Yes, to both.

The Good

• Got a good education and degree with minimum student loan debt.
• Accepted a good paying first job and advanced over time. 
• Paid myself first, about 10% of my take home pay into savings every month
• Lived below my means.  Spent less than my take home pay each month.
• Paid off credit cards on time.  Only took debt for my home and car.  Paid off the car early. Paid off mortgage early.
• Participated in a excellent retirement plan at work.
• Contributed the maximum to IRAs when I was working.
• Eligible for company sponsored health insurance in retirement.
• Spouse has similar values, both financial and personal.

The Lucky

• Job assignments with good bosses led to advancement and increases in pay.
• Company retirement plan was primarily company stock, which did well. 
• Stock market and company stock recovered from Great Recession and increased in value.
• Born to parents that had good personal finance skills and values.
• Lived in the United States.
• Spouse has similar values, both financial and personal.

See the post Achieving Financial Freedom - I've Retired In My Forties for more details and you can decide whether I was "good" or "lucky."

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial, saving nor retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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