I was extra fortunate to be able to assist quite a few former businessmen and their wives. Often feeling like a little giddy school girl, holding on to every single word that came from their lips of infinite knowledge and wisdom, they seemed just as excited to share, as I was eager to listen and learn.

Though I have heard these "duh factors" before, it felt so much stronger coming from them!
These lessons and tips reached the depths of me, as my Senior, Elder, and Disabled Clients unknowingly guide my future.

I have permanently tattooed their advice in my world.

7 Lifelong Business Tips Coming from Your Elders..(with love)❤

1. Buy Your Car and Your House Cash

If you can't pay for your car cash, pay it off within 4-6 months instead of 4-6 years.

Since relocating, we took heed to that advice, and turned in our over seven hundred dollar car payments, (a combined total of 2 vehicles) and replaced them with two cash cars.

How would you like to buy a cash home, or make mortgage payments for only a few months or even over a period of 3-5 years, versus 30 years? (Winning!)

2. Your Word Is Your Bond

Back in the day, when there were no business contracts, your word was your bond! As one of my Elder Clients was explaining this to me, I remember asking,

"Then how did you know whether or not someone was being honest or deceitful?"
His reply (with a laugh) was, "Word spread very quickly back then, and when it did, NOBODY would do business with you."
So basically, you and your business were ruined!

3. We Are Your Customers First, and Family Second

Some of my Clients would disagree, but this was spoken to me in terms of moving on, whether it be them or me.

"If your going to study to be a Practitioner, your going to have a problem if you get too attached to your Patients.". Elder Client

I was taught that we as Care Providers were supposed to get attached, but as a business, you can't let that attachment keep you from making the decisions that you need to make.

READ-7 reasons why Senior Care is the best economy proof business ever

4. Invest In Stocks and Bond

I was told to not just learn about stocks and bonds, but really understand how to use them.

I'm still learning!

5. Go With Your Gut and Pay For The Type Of Insurance That "You Think" That You May Not Even Need

One of my Senior Clients told me that before he was disabled, he was trying to determine whether disability insurance was worth the extra investment.

"Something kept nagging me to just get it, so I did." ... Then he said, "That's why besides my business investments, I get more income coming in than most people with disabilities".

Some Elder Clients had invested in Long Term Health Insurance and the likes, which afforded them the ability to pay for and make flexible decisions when it came to their care.

6. Leave A Rich Inheritance To Your Children and Grandchildren

This was something that I observed about my Elder Clients. They did not necessarily tell me to do this.

They planned their will very carefully, and while still alive, passed their items on freely to their children, grandchildren, and some great-grandchildren; whether it was nice cars, jewelry, homes, or businesses-

They were not too afraid to talk about and plan for their death-

That's what I want to do for my children!

7. BUILD FROM SCRATCH- and keep building until you have an empire that you can confidently stand tall, look around, smile, and be proud of.

"BOTH OF US DIDN'T HAVE A CAR OR A JOB WHEN WE GOT MARRIED- LOOK WHAT WE HAVE BUILT! EVEN THOUGH SHE'S GONE, WE HAD A GOOD LIFE TOGETHER, AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.”

I held my hand over my heart as I watched in awe this great man celebrating his wife's LIFE- though it had only been an hour since her passing.

Me? It was the first time that I watched with my very own eyes someone quietly slip away in their sleep...It was calm, it was peaceful, and his smile lit up the whole house as I watched him put his finger on his lips, and his thumb on his chin-

He turned to look at me at what I thought would be a look of sorrow and despair, but his eyes seemed to be dancing with delight!

He was more than comfortable and satisfied at what he and his wife had achieved starting from ZERO!

I listened to the story of high school sweethearts who supported each other for over 50 years-

My head turned every which way as he pointed out large statues and other items that they had shipped back from traveling the world-

And last but not least, somewhere in between, they were able to afford this luxurious house in a neighborhood that seemed like foreign land, compared to their humble beginnings.

*Originally published in 2017

*Updated March 2022