The big 18 and adult things?

[TrapperJ]

Well glad to say ive had my 18th birthday on wensday. Been in this group for about 2 years ish? And learned and hell of alot and met alot of great people so that leads me to ask since most of everyone here is of a age older then 40 whats some things you wished you would have done when you was 18? Whats some things I should do? Whats some important things? Ive got the basics half way down but not much more lol. Ive already decided definitely ready for work which im tore between a few different things but im putting alot of focus on coming to texas and I really wouldnt mind working on a hunting ranch(seen a wild zebra on one) if anyone is from the west TX area and has any leads on a ranch needing help i would appreciate a little word. Looking to at the oilfield which seems kinda cool but I figure theres gotta be more to turning 18 then just work? I know I can now buy rifles but rifle money isnt in the agenda with going to texas so oh well. I believe I can gamble? Which is probably a dangerous thing to do lol. Turning 18 is new and definitely odd, I thought there would be more to it but so far it seems normal unless im forgetting to do something thats important. Officially have had 2 birthdays here and ready for some more (I just like cake and ice cream).

 

[TN2shot07]

Not hunting related advice but I’ll tell you the same thing I did my little brother. Start a Roth IRA with your first real job and pick a percentage you can live with putting in it and continue it every time you get a raise (10-15%). At that age you don’t understand the possibilities you have. Sorry, it’s the accountant in me…

 

[Hem]

@JohnCushman can certainly offer advice on things to avoid and things to not miss out on.

 

[NoWiser]

Max out a ROTH. Seriously.

 

[wvhunter304]

Roth IRA
Preference points for any hunt imaginable
Date wisely
Roth IRA
Call parents daily
Girl you’re dating isn’t necessarily the one
Connections Trump work ethic
That said, grind harder than others
Land is always cheapest in the present
Invest in futures such as water and AI
See the us and world
Roth IRA

 

[Rack Daniels]

Wrap it with latex or she’ll have your paychecks!

Congrats on making it to adulthood, young man. I’m only 34, but life flew by in the blink of an eye from about 21-present…

Keep your schedule as loose as possible and you will enjoy much more when the opportunities arise. That’s not saying to ignore your commitments or responsibilities. Once you have kids and married and pets and bills up the wahzoo, time seems to be one of the things you wish could just put in your pocket and not spend….
I agree that in many cases, having connections can bring you more than a strong back and a can-do attitude will. Value those connections. Even “single serve” one-time meets with people can leave a big impact on one another and you’d be surprised what one random conversation can teach you or earn you.
Of course, bust your ass and stay positive and it will rub off on all those around you.

Much love little bro.

 

[Nick87]

Roth IRA
Preference points for any hunt imaginable
Date wisely
Roth IRA
Call parents daily
Girl you’re dating isn’t necessarily the one
Connections Trump work ethic
That said, grind harder than others
Land is always cheapest in the present
Invest in futures such as water and AI
See the us and world
Roth IRA

Thats pretty good advise. I'll add choose your friends wisely as well. The people you hang around with will shape who you are without you realizing it.

And another take a good look at her mother, because thats what she's gonna look like and act like.

 

[Charlie Bob]

And get a prenup , trust me . Marriage is betting someone half of everything you own they will love you forever.

 

[Redmt]

Plan for your retirement, then plan again. I'm a long way from 18 but remember that I was able to get my class A license that started a long career in trucking. If I had it to do all over again I think that I would have chosen a career in the military. I would have had a military pension at 38! I could then have stayed with the military or entered the private sector with great qualifications. Instead I ran across a fantastic girl friend when I was 17 and a beautiful Peterbilt. Now at 74 the Peterbilts are behind me but I'm still married to highschool sweetheart. Did I mention to plan for your retirement? My youngest grandson is about to graduate Navy Boot camp later this month. He just turned 18 and is looking ahead to a Navy career and I'll say again, planning for retirement.

 

[LopeHunter]

These are the good old days for hunting. Full stop.

Public access will shrink. Tag prices out West for non-residents will rise faster than inflation. Draw odds for non-residents will get tougher out West. Outfitted hunt costs will go up. Private land access cost will go up.

If you can live in a state out West which has plenty of public hunting land and lots of dates to hunt then that will make hunting more affordable.

General life advice. Live below your means. If you find internal peace that you “have enough” then saving money is possible. If feel deserve more things then paycheck to paycheck living is a brutal way to go through life. I have had colleagues earn $500,000 a year and go bankrupt from lifestyle inflation of cars, travel, clubs, nannies for kids, watches, etc.

Once have a safety net of savings for emergencies then invest in buckets of stocks. Time invested in picking investments is best if kept minimal. You only need to match the overall stock market growth so don’t chase the hottest stock or sector as studies show your odds are you will not outsmart the overall stock market. Buy a big bucket of stocks such as VTI which has 1000s of publicly traded companies and the associated fees are very small. Set dividends to reinvest. Read up on Bogleheads approach to investing.

Avoid excesses whether food, booze, drugs, vaping/cigs, gambling, gaming, death-scrolling, etc. Any endorphin rush from an excess is followed by a crash in mental outlook or health or both.

Be ready to encounter things that are not “fair” such as a health issue or loss of a loved one or betrayal or your employer goes under or you see someone get what seems an undeserved career break, etc. These setbacks or hurdles are what make life a journey worth taking. Curveballs are not fun in life but resiliency and internal confidence you will emerge over these hurdles whether takes a week or decade of effort. On what seems a crappy day, there are likely a long line of people willing to trade places with you. Have that awareness.

Realize that watching a vibrant sunset or hearing a child laugh is a bargain. The wealthiest person may have less opportunity to enjoy those simple moments than you have. Wealth can flatten a lot of issues since can tap resources to make most issues in life go away which absolutely reduces stress and stress kills. What wealth does not magically dispense is happiness, loyal friends, a loving companion, health, good parenting, respect by others, etc.

I plan the work and work the plan. That covers career, budgeting, family interaction, etc. Opportunity seems to favor those with a plan. Opportunity often looks like hard work, too, so taking on a grind for a few years may reduce social interactions but jump start success.

Finally, there will be two instances in life where your inner moral compass will be tested. The day you discover you seriously have too little money on hand. And, the day you realize you have too much money on hand. The choices you make during those two moments will test your character. Be ready.

 

[Bulldog0156]

All the Roth IRA advice is solid. Crazy how quick it can grow after a few years maxing it out.

My life advice is you have time to figure out who you are. Figure out who you are before you make the decision to permanently add someone else to the equation.

Toys are fun and treat yourself to some but make sure you have the means before any frivolous toys are bought with regularity.

Take your health seriously.

What do these pieces of advice have to do with turning 18? More opportunity to make poor choices that could have lasting impacts. Take some time to think about repercussions before acting.

 

[Nick87]

My life advice is you have time to figure out who you are. Figure out who you are before you make the decision to permanently add someone else to the equation.

And before you figure out what you want to do for a living. You spend more time doing that than anything else in your adult life.

 

[Addicting]

My life advice is you have time to figure out who you are. Figure out who you are before you make the decision to permanently add someone else to the equation.

Great advice!

I will add if you’re physically able, do a stint on Active Duty in a job you think you would enjoy. I had so much fun in my early days of service. It set me up for everything I cherish today.

 

[Gulf of America]

Lopehunter already said it, but everything in moderation. If you aren’t already addicted to nicotine, don’t start - I have way too many friends with a can of Zyn in their desk, their truck, their nightstand, and everywhere else you can imagine. And avoid gambling on your phone. If you want to put some money on a horse race or spend a weekend in Vegas (although like hunting, its peak is passed too) have at it, but having to be physically present is a pretty important barrier to keeping you from pissing away all your money.

 

[Hunting Wife]

The choices you make when you are young are likely the ones you’ll have to live with the longest. Make good ones.

The retirement dollars you save when you are young are the most powerful workhorses in your portfolio. Start saving for retirement as soon as possible. Put that money to work growing.

No matter what career you choose, even if you love it, it’s going to wind up feeling like a job at some point. Nothing is going to be all fun and excitement forever. Perseverance and resilience are going to be necessary no matter what you choose to do.

Oilfield can be a fine career, and pays pretty well. But I’ve also seen some young guys with more money than sense get off in the ditch with booze and drugs, doing stupid shit and getting hurt so bad they are on permanent disability. Don’t be the dumb kid.

Have you considered utility work (power lineman or something similar?) Lots of jobs, lots of opportunity to travel with storm response and such, get to work outside, good pay. Trades are in demand just about everywhere and pay well generally.

Pick good friends, keep your feet on the ground, and make your retirement contribution for the month before you spend your fun money.

The fact that you asked the question at 18 is pretty impressive honestly. Keep asking questions. It will serve you well.

 

[Brittany Chukarman]

Pick a good paying career that you enjoy with all the benefits. Health, retirement, time off etc.
Twenty years go by in a heartbeat, you'll be surprised. You can retire while still a young man.
Learn how to invest yourself through one of the big brokerage houses like Vanguard. Read about John Bogle's philosophy for starters. Start a Roth as soon as you start earning.
Move asap to a place you want to be while you can. It may not be feasible later.
Always look for opportunity for self-employment, even if it's just a side hustle.
Always follow your gut and listen to your inner voice about the people you come across.

 

[Nick87]

Wish I had this thread at 18,.however I doubt I would be listened to any of it.

 

[Charlie Bob]

Wish I had this thread at 18,.however I doubt I would be listened to any of it.

Sadly my memory is fine , I remember all the good advice I ignored .

 

[Treeshark]

Go back to school: either college or to learn a trade.

 

[MThuntr]

Go hunting and live your life. Move around and find your place. This also helps with making connections and getting experience in other portions of whatever industry you choose. Military isn't a bad option especially if you don't quite know what to do. Lots of my friends have great military careers and have a world of experience. The trades can also be awesome for a young apprentice. There will always be a need for those jobs

If your job has a 401k, contribute at minimum the matching contribution, then max out a Roth IRA, the go back to your 401k and max out what you can afford. I made the mistake of maxing out my 401k and not doing an IRA. I have a lot of retirement money put away but it will be almost all taxable while if I have done my IRA based I'd be sitting on a chunk of money that is tax free.

IF you meet a girl, treat her well, wrap it up (protect your junk from STIs and anchor babies until you're ready), get a prenup, and do the family thing. I have been mostly single my entire life. I've met a few great women but it didn't work out. I'm glad I avoided kids and marriage and others will tell you I missed out. Neither of us are wrong.

Take care of your body, teeth, and mind. If it hurts see a doctor right away don't tough it out for 3 weeks. Go to the gym, do some yoga (the views can be quite nice ), don't smoke, and keep alcohol consumption down. Brush your teeth, see a dentist, get those wisdom teeth yanked, and fix the problems when young. Read a book, listen to audiobooks, and ignore social media.

Stay away from toxic people especially if they're your family. I'd rather have no friends than bad friends.