Random Advice Column

I care a lot about the people around me. Whenever I discover something useful, I immediately tell everyone I know who might benefit. This page is the scaled-up version of that impulse. These are things I do that I think you should do too - because they work, and I want you to succeed and enjoy life.

Money

Invest in a Roth IRA

Directly, or via a (mega) backdoor if you are above income limits. Hit the max limit every year. Make sure you take the extra step to invest the money after it enters the account. You can setup a custodial account for your child.
Invest in a 401k
Invest in a HSA
Get a credit card

Start building credit early. You can also be an authorized user on a parent's card - you just have to check that it will be reported to the credit bureaus.
Freeze your credit

With Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Really quick - just make accounts with all 3 and click freeze. Prevents identity theft.
Use money to solve problems

I might write more about this.
Track your spending

I use Monarch Money to budget until I have a good handle on things.

Health

Have a regular physician
Get a yearly eye exam

Especially if you're curious about laser eye surgery - you need a stable prescription first.
Get screened for skin cancer

Could be covered by insurance.
Wear sunscreen
You need to stretch about 10x as much more than you think you do

You can stretch when you wake up and before bed. I try to encourage this behavior by having a rug or yoga mat on the floor by my bed so it's an easy habit to build.
Take care of your posture
Take care of your tongue posture

Your tongue should be on the roof of your mouth with the tip resting behind your front teeth (but not pressing on the front teeth to prevent shifting). Your teeth should be slightly separated.
If you don't like a food, try it 20 times

This is actually my dad's advice, and it works. I've tried it with grapefruit.
Buy the expensive nuts

The macadamias. Your health is worth investing in.
Take supplements

Vitamin D3 (you're likely deficient), creatine (good for muscles and brain), and a multivitamin.
Get electric handwarmers
Learn how to give massages

Teeth

See the dentist twice a year
Your teeth are not replaceable

I might write more about this. TL;DR your teeth are the ultimate test of consistency. You only get one set. You should floss, brush your teeth, use a tongue scraper, wear your retainer, and use mouthwash.
Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth

Prevents acids from food/drinks from softening your tooth enamel.
Use a tongue scraper

It's 5 bucks and you will be shocked by what you discover.
You need to clean your retainer

You can buy a dental pod or retainer tablets - I use the Zima Dental Pod and Retainer Brite Tablets.

Life Admin

Complete your medical power of attorney (MPOA) forms

You will likely want your close relatives to do this too.
Get a will

I need to do this too.
Get life insurance
Set your beneficiaries

For every single account: HSA, IRA, 401k, individual brokerage accounts, HYSA... everything.
Get Global Entry

It includes TSA Precheck. Apply here.
Keep a timeline of where you have worked and lived

It's useful for background checks and filling out forms.

Tools & Systems

Use a password manager

I use Bitwarden (free) for personal, 1Password at work.
Use a window manager

I use Aerospace for personal and Rectangle for work.
Keep a GitHub repo of your dotfiles

So you have them whenever you're setting up a new laptop. I also note down all my personal Mac configs there. Here's mine.
Own a domain with your name
Save links to things you find useful

I have a lists page for this - it pulls from a Google Sheet so I can easily add links from anywhere.
Create your own lifetime stats

I keep a list of all webtoons and kdramas I've seen, and a less complete list of movies and books that I'm working on.
Write down every book and movie you're recommended
Set up email filters

Calendar invites go to a calendar label. Receipts go to a receipts label. Filter for "unsubscribe" and periodically go through that label to mass unsubscribe and reduce incoming mail.
Get a library card in every city you visit

Add them all to Libby so you can check out ebooks and audiobooks from lots of different regions.

Mindset

The power of the mind is incredible. Believe in yourself

You can trick yourself into doing anything.
Ignore pedants

Just make sweeping declarations.
Be epistemically legible

Being easy to argue with is a virtue, separate from being correct. Read more.
Value long-term relationships over short-term feelings

I used to have the urge to snap at someone because I was upset and wanted to punish them for how I felt. I'm learning to prioritize the relationship over the momentary frustration.
Find someone to mentor you, and mentor others
Your insecurities aren't unique

You can find comfort in sharing them with others.
Be aware of when you make status claims