Michael Leonard

Advice for My Younger Self Michael Leonard

Navigating the real world isn't easy. College doesn't prepare us for it and we're told to learn and figure it out on our own. From managing your finances, advancing in your career, staying in shape and keeping a work life - balance it's not easy to be successful.

I felt this stress when I graduated from college in 2010. I earned a bachelor's degree in business but quickly found out college courses don't translate to the real world. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't a C student-actually, I had a 3.5 GPA-but I felt like it didn't prepare me for the next chapter of life.

When I got my first job, I had no clue what a 401(k) was or how to choose an insurance plan. It made me mad-how did I not learn something so basic in college? Luckily, it also motivated me to educate myself and figure it out. How did five years of college not teach me something as basic as planning my future retirement? Instead, I was required to take general education classes such as mythology, astronomy, and anthropology to complete my business degree. But not one class on personal finance, understanding credit, or how to plan for retirement? How is that possible?

Unsurprisingly, I haven't used those mythology or anthropology lessons in my career or life. Sadly, there is not a "Life 101" course that teaches us how to live and succeed after college. This is where this book comes in, the bridge from college to the real world. It might apply to some at 18 years old and others at 35. Regardless of age this book will help your life financially, personally, professionally or all three.

Finances: A large portion of the book will focus on personal finances, investing, and money management as this isn't taught much (if any) in school. Yet, money factors into every part of your life. This book will show you how to save to reach your financial goals, learn the basics of investing for retirement, and ensure you still live a great life with guild free spending. It also has tips and tricks for credit cards, car buying, net worth tracking and understand credit.

Fitness: You can't have a truly great life unless you have both wealth AND health. Could you imagine reaching 65 years old and not having your health to do everything you saved for your whole life? Learn the 90/10 rule for your diet, how to stay motivated to reach your fitness goals, and prepare meals easily.

Professional: Once you're out of school its not easy to climb the corporate ladder or become an entrepreneur. This section will help you network, create side hustles for more money and find your passion.

Personal: The last section will help you find a positive balance between work and life. You need to have a balance or you'll never truly enjoy your life. From goal setting, travel, and creating a daily routine.

What are you waiting for? Click buy now to learn the habits needed to create a life of health and wealth.