In terms of days and moments lived, you'll never again be as young as you are right now, so spend this day, the youth of your future, in a way that deflects regret. Invest in yourself. Have some fun. Do something important. Love somebody extra. In one sense, you're just a kid, but a kid with enough years on her to know that every day is priceless.

Tell the world you are a one-of-a-kind creation who came here to experience wonder and spread joy. Expect to be accommodated.

Recreational shopping is the shortest distance between two points: you and broke.

The idea that somebody is going to come in and make your debt go away and all be well for the future is really a fantasy.

A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with-that's poverty-but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you're clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it's clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar. (148)

The idea that somebody else is going to swoop down and play the fairy godmother role is pretty unlikely, so why not take care of yourself?

Home is the place where you are most thoroughly yourself, with no pretenses.