We all have that thought at some point:
“If only I could travel back in time and give my younger self a few tips…”
And if there’s one movie that captures this idea perfectly, it’s Back to the Future Part II.
Biff Tannen and the Perfect Financial Strategy
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll remember the infamous sports almanac – a book containing all sports results for the coming decades.
Biff Tannen grabs the book, goes back in time, and gives it to his younger self.
The result? He becomes filthy rich, always betting on the winning team.
Morally questionable? Sure.
But the concept? Genius.
Imagine handing your younger self a book filled with the best investments of the last 30 years.
Would I do it? Absolutely.
My first message would be:
“Put those damn 100 euros into Bitcoin!”
(Yes, I have a whole post about that decision. Years ago, I actually thought about buying Bitcoin – but didn’t, because it seemed too complicated. That decision cost me millions.)
With what I know now, I could visit my 2011 self and say:
“Buy Bitcoin. Hold it. Sell it in 20 years when Trump is president again.”
My younger self would probably react like Doc Brown in 1956 when he hears Reagan becomes president:
“Reagan? The actor?! Get outta here!”
The Best Financial Decision I Could’ve Made
If I had just invested €50–100 per month in a global ETF back in the early 2000s, my wealth today would likely be around €200,000 to €300,000 – with a high chance of hitting a million or more by the time I retire.
Sounds huge? It’s simple math:
I’ve been working in the same job for over 20 years.
Even with low income back then, I could’ve easily saved €50/month.
Compound interest would’ve done the rest.
Today I earn more, sure – but back then, even a small start would’ve changed everything.
What I’d Tell My Younger Self
If I could go back in time, here’s what I’d tell myself – or anyone starting out today:
Start investing as early as possible!
Even small amounts make a massive difference over time. Every lost year costs you thousands in the future.
Stop wasting money on crap you don’t need!
Sure, enjoy life. But if I had known what smart investing could do, I’d have spent way less on junk.
Think long-term – it pays off!
ETFs and dividend stocks aren’t gambling. The longer you stick with them, the more they’ll grow and pay back.
Don’t be afraid of the stock market!
People fear investing because of risk. But the real risk is not investing at all and watching inflation eat your savings.
It’s not just about money – it’s about freedom!
If I had started earlier, I could have more choices today. The goal isn’t to be rich – it’s to earn enough from investments so you don’t have to work.
Conclusion: The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday – The Second Best Is Today
Of course, I can’t go back in time.
But if you’re younger than me and reading this: learn from my mistakes.
Start investing – even if it’s just €50 a month.
Let your money work for you, instead of spending it on meaningless things.
Think long-term – and future you will thank you for it.
I can’t rewrite my past.
But I can do everything today to secure my financial future.
And so can you.
