Optimal Finance Daily · Sunday, July 26, 2026
Andy Hill shares that while he used to consider his $30,000 debt from student loans and credit card misuse as his biggest financial regret, he now feels he needed those painful lessons. He believes these mistakes were crucial in shaping his current positive financial habits and the life he has built.
“I was asked to talk about the money mistake I most regret. I used to answer this question by pointing out the $30,000 of debt I got into for no good reason. Half of my debt was from student loans, which doesn't seem too bad until you consider that I had a full academic scholarship. I took out loans for living expenses. It was a pretty dumb move. And the other half of my debt was from mindlessly swiping credit cards and simply not paying attention.”
“But I actually said that I have no regrets from these money mistakes. Looking back on it, I actually think I needed to feel some financial pain to be able to appreciate the good financial habits I have now. I really like the life I've built. And the mistakes I've made along the way got me where I am. So now. So, I don't regret them.”