I have spent most of my life doing the "wrong" things. Didn't finish college, my credit score is 0... I focused on learning a skill, and pursued self-education by reading everything that I thought mattered. And, somehow, I am retired and own my house and have a bit of money in the bank. Lucky, damn straight.

I have also seen friends go bankrupt with consumer debt, or spend their way through a serious inheritance.

Debt is a trap. Avoid it like the plague. Learn to do something with your hands. Be skeptical of conventional wisdom. Stay away from bankers, lawyers, doctors, and architects. Invest in your community, not Wall Street.