Next week I turn 30.
Wow!
Some of you may still think of me as young, but turning 30 is… interesting.
I remember adults telling me my younger years that their thirties were the best time of their lives. Back then I thought they were a little crazy.
While writing this post I skimmed a few lists about turning 30 and found some amusing facts. A few that stood out:
- At age 30 you’re older than about 42% of Americans.
- The most common cause of death for 30-year-olds is accidents.
- By age 30 the average person has held 7.5 jobs, and will typically add a couple more by 35.
- Thirty is the average retirement age for NFL players.
- At 30 you’re six years older than Monica and Rachel were at the start of Friends.
I thought those were entertaining to read!
Despite some initial nerves, I truly believe my thirties will be some of the best years yet. I’ve grown a lot and learned so much about myself. Looking back at who I was ten years ago makes me cringe in the best way — I was terrible with money, bought too many clothes, never imagined I’d travel full-time, and would have laughed if someone told me I could retire on my own terms.
Birthdays are a great time for reflection. They let me recognize both mistakes and good decisions, and to appreciate how those choices shaped where I am today. I first shared a list like this three years ago and add one lesson each year; this year I’m adding another. Self-reflection helps you learn from the past and use those lessons to shape a better future.
I’m far from perfect, but life is good. I’m fortunate to have close friends and family, a happy marriage, wonderful dogs, a business I enjoy, and the freedom to travel. To celebrate my birthday, here are 30 life and money lessons I’ve gathered in my first 30 years. Some may seem obvious, others less so, but they all reflect what has made me who I am today.
1. Value your time.
When I was younger, a year felt endless. Now the years fly by. Time is precious — prioritize activities that bring joy and meaning. If you dislike something, find a way to reduce it and make space for what you love. Don’t wait decades to build a life you enjoy.
2. Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Comparison can motivate, but it can also derail you. Every expert was once a beginner. Give yourself time to learn and grow; progress rarely happens overnight.
3. Create a plan to reach your dreams and goals.
Dreams don’t happen by accident. Decide what you want, break it into steps, and make a plan. Without a plan you risk living with regret.
4. Be positive.
A positive outlook genuinely changes how you experience life. Laugh more, complain less, curb jealousy, and focus on solutions. Positive thinking can help you find options, stay motivated, move past mistakes, and take steps toward your goals.
5. Learn something new as often as you can.
I used to dislike learning, but now I crave it. Learning keeps your mind sharp and opens doors. There are countless resources today — books, articles, courses — so take advantage and keep growing.
6. Stop living in regret.
The past can’t be changed. Learn from mistakes and move forward instead of letting regret steal the present.
7. Don’t care about what anyone else thinks.
This took me time to internalize, but living for others’ opinions only limits you. Make decisions that align with your values and goals.
8. Live life to the fullest.
No matter your situation or budget, you can pursue a meaningful, joyful life. Don’t postpone living for some future date; make space for happiness now.
9. Cherish moments with loved ones.
As full-time travelers, we visit family less often than we used to. That makes each visit more precious. Don’t take time with loved ones for granted — you never know what the future holds.
10. Make time for fun.
Work without play makes life dull. Reserve time weekly for hobbies and activities that lift your spirits — they renew motivation and improve wellbeing.
11. Excuses are just that — excuses.
Obstacles arise, but repeatedly making excuses keeps you stuck. Take responsibility and act to change your situation.
12. Do what YOU want to do.
Choose what excites and motivates you. Want adventure? Plan it. Want a family? Start building toward it. Want a different career? Go get it. Live intentionally.
13. Less is more.
Moving into an RV and later a boat taught me how much excess we carry. Fewer possessions mean less clutter, more focus on what matters, and less spending on things that don’t add value.
14. Laughter is the best medicine.
When life gets heavy, find moments of joy and laughter — they help more than you’d expect.
15. Help others as much as you can.
Small gestures make a big difference. Smile at strangers, donate items, give blood, encourage someone in need, foster animals, mentor, or volunteer. Kindness changes lives.
16. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
If you keep asking “what if?” you’ll never know what might have been. Take calculated risks and try new things — you may surprise yourself.
17. Dogs are awesome.
They bring joy, companionship, and plenty of reasons to smile.
18. Gain control of your financial situation.
Money isn’t everything, but financial stability reduces stress and expands options. Pay down debt, spend less than you earn, save for retirement, and avoid keeping up with the Joneses. Financial control helps you pursue dreams like travel, entrepreneurship, or time with family.
19. You can say no.
You don’t owe everyone your time. Saying yes selectively protects your energy and prevents burnout.
20. Gossip stinks.
Talking about others rarely helps. It wastes time and energy better spent on positive efforts.
21. Don’t let life pass you by.
Don’t live with the constant promise that “in ten years things will be better.” Ten years is long — find ways to enjoy life now while still working toward future goals.
22. See the beauty in everything.
There’s beauty everywhere if you look for it. Choosing to notice the good changes your outlook.
23. Kill them with kindness.
Responding to negativity with kindness diffuses conflict. It’s worked for me most of the time.
24. Be open to new things and tackle your fears.
Comfort zones are safe but small. Taking on new challenges can dramatically change your perspective and life.
25. Balance is important.
You can’t do everything nonstop. Balance work, rest, relationships, and play to stay healthy and energized.
26. Be confident.
Confidence helps you take action and pursue opportunities. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s harder for others to believe in you.
27. Money is just money.
Too many let money define them. While it’s a necessary tool, money doesn’t make you a better person. Use it to support values and experiences that matter, not as an end in itself.
28. Traveling full-time is amazing.
Living on the road (and later on a boat) has been incredible for me. I love being outdoors, exploring different landscapes, meeting new people, and trying new things. If an unconventional lifestyle appeals to you, give it a shot — it might change your life.
29. It’s okay to be afraid.
Fear is normal. The things that scare you now may be the ones that change your life the most. I nearly talked myself out of sailing full-time, just as I almost talked myself out of RV life. Remind yourself that fear is part of growth — don’t let it stop you.
30. There’s a lot to see and do in this world.
I admit I worried about turning 30 for a bit. It made me think about things I haven’t yet done and how much remains to explore. But the world is vast and beautiful, and I’m grateful for the chance to experience so much. My thirties feel full of possibilities, and I plan to travel, explore, and pursue new outdoor goals.
What life and money lessons do you think are most important?