Economic survival advice: what would you tell young people these days ?

[steve2470]

8. I gave him my old car, totally paid off and totally fixed up to boot

If he takes good care of it, barring horrible gas prices, it should last him at least 10 more years. Hopefully by then (age 28 or older), he will be making a decent salary somewhere. Your advice about cash and short payment periods is well received.

I also taught him about fine print, too. I pushed him very hard to grasp the money realities of life, and right now he's working two part-time jobs, paying all his own bills and sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 other people. Hopefully all of this will teach him "the value of a dollar" and to save money, as well as your other good points.

One can only hope. With kids, we do our best, then they do their best. Thank you for your time !

Steve