| A young traveler, restless with ambition, set off from their hometown with little more than a few coins and a heart full of dreams. Along their path, they encountered an old sage resting beneath the shade of a grand oak tree, a figure known throughout the region for their hard-earned wisdom. The traveler, eager for guidance, approached and humbly asked, “What is the best advice you can give to someone young and ready to start their life?” |  |
The sage gave a gentle smile, the kind that held both warmth and a hint of sternness, and motioned for the traveler to sit. “Ah, you seek advice for wealth,” they began, their eyes twinkling with understanding. “But wealth is more than coins in your pocket. True wealth lies in choices, in freedom, and in wisdom gathered from every corner of life. Let me share with you the lessons I’ve learned.”
The traveler leaned in, listening intently, as the sage began with cautionary words about debt. “Debt is a powerful tool. But be wary of it, for it can weigh you down like a boulder if used carelessly. Borrow only when you’ve crafted a plan as solid as stone, where every detail is accounted for and every risk managed. Let debt be your ally, not your enemy.” The traveler imagined the weight of debt, realizing that without caution, it could easily crush dreams rather than enable them.
“Consider, too, the things you buy,” the sage continued. “Take cars, for instance. A shiny new car may look tempting, but the minute you drive it, it loses value—its worth slipping away like sand through your fingers. Instead, buy a car that’s already traveled a few years on the road. And if you can, choose a Toyota or Honda. These are resilient machines, likely to serve you longer than many of your early relationships.” The traveler laughed, picturing a humble yet reliable car that could carry them through adventures and missteps alike.
Then the sage grew serious. “Education is a journey of its own. If you don’t know where you’re going, don’t rush into it. College is not a place to wander aimlessly, for it is costly in both time and money. If you’re unsure, find other ways to learn, discover your path before investing in a degree. Seek out the most affordable means to acquire the knowledge you need, and only go to school with a purpose.”
“Take risks,” they encouraged, “but be wise in choosing which risks to take. You have time to rebuild wealth if you stumble, but remember: health and education are rare and precious. Your body will carry you through all your days, and knowledge is a powerful companion. Treat them well.” The traveler could feel the weight of this truth and vowed to guard their health and invest in knowledge carefully.
“And don’t be afraid to walk away from things that don’t bring you joy,” the sage added, sensing the traveler’s curiosity about careers. “If you find yourself trapped in a job that drains you, have the courage to leave. Worry not about what others will think. Leave it off your resume and take the lessons it gave you. Don’t waste time trying to appear ‘responsible’ in others’ eyes if it costs your happiness.”
As the traveler listened, the sage’s words began weaving together a sense of purpose and resilience. “If you ever see the world in fear, take it as a sign to buy when others hesitate. Assets—whether they be stocks, crypto, real estate, or even gold—tend to come at a bargain when fear grips others. Have the courage to seize opportunities when prices are low. You’ll find wealth in the things others overlook.”
With a nostalgic glint in their eye, the sage continued, “While you’re young, travel. Go while you have freedom, before the ties of family and obligations tether you to one place. Experience the world, learn from its many cultures, and open your heart and mind. Wander widely before life asks you to settle.”
“And one last thing,” the sage advised, “save 15 percent of everything you earn. It may not seem like much, but opportunities will come when you least expect them, and your future self will thank you for setting aside funds for the unknown.”
As the sun began to dip below
the horizon, the traveler rose, their heart brimming with gratitude. Each
piece of wisdom the sage had shared felt like a priceless treasure, a map
not just for building wealth but for crafting a life of meaning and purpose.
With a bow of respect, the traveler set off once more, now equipped not
only with a plan for riches but with the quiet resolve to build a life
of wisdom, freedom, and joy. And in the years to come, whenever challenges
arose, they would recall the sage’s words, each one a guidepost along their
path to a truly abundant life.
