Real Money & Finance Lessons I Wish I Learned at 19 featuring Ethan Hagner

Oct 22, 2025

19-year-old Ethan Hagner shares his fresh perspective on finances, revealing the fears of adulthood and financial independence. He discusses the 20% rule for savings and why many delay starting. Inspired by a Jim Carrey movie, Ethan explains his frugal mindset shift. The father-son duo dives into smart investing, from understanding assets versus liabilities to exploring real estate. They emphasize the importance of saving aggressively while living at home, sharing laughs and valuable lessons about preparing for the future.

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INSIGHT

Early Compounding Beats Income Alone

Cost-of-living pressures make full-time work feel insufficient for some young people.
But time is finite and compounding favors starting investments early even with modest income.

ANECDOTE

Dumpster Business: Big Returns, Small Hours

Larry shared a client who runs a high-profit dumpster business from a few hours of work per day.
The example shows businesses can be structured for time freedom, not constant labor.

ADVICE

Save 20% As A Baseline

Aim to save 20% of your income as a baseline for long-term investing and retirement.
Automate savings early so you avoid the common trap of 'I'll save someday' and run out of runway later.

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In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I'm joined by my son Ethan for a powerful father-son conversation about money, mistakes, and mindsets. But this episode goes way beyond budgeting tips. It's about the deeper fear, pressure, and responsibility men feel when it comes to providing and preparing the next generation.

We explore everything from cost of living fears to smart saving habits, early investing, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming financially independent. Ethan shares candid reflections about what worries him most as a 19-year-old and the surprising movie that inspired his money mindset. This episode is filled with laughs, lessons, and the kind of intentional parenting that creates legacy.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – Why talking to our kids about money matters more than ever

[3:49] – Celebrating transformation: The First Form Dad of the Month

[15:21] – What scares Ethan most about adulting and financial independence

[19:36] – The 20% rule and why most people never start saving

[29:23] – Ethan's frugal mindset shift (inspired by a Jim Carrey movie!)

[38:58] – Understanding assets vs. liabilities and why real estate matters

[46:34] – Passive income, investing in apartments, and building wealth young

[49:11] – The challenge to aggressively save while you have no bills

[55:12] – New resource: 25 questions to spark deeper conversations in the car

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Start Financial Conversations Early

Your kids are already forming money beliefs—talking about finances now sets them up with real tools and confidence.

2. Fear of Failing as a Provider Is Real

Ethan opens up about the weight of becoming a provider and why young men need reassurance and education, not shame.

3. Saving While You Have No Bills is a Superpower

We talk about how living at home can be a golden window to stack savings, invest early, and get a head start on life.

4. Assets Build Freedom—Liabilities Drain It

From real estate to investments, we break down the difference between money that works for you vs. money you spend for status.

5. Legacy is Intentional, Not Accidental

These conversations are how we pass down values, strategy, and strength. The way you talk about money sets your family's future.

LINKS & RESOURCES

25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Kids: https://www.thedadedge.com/kidquestions
Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
First Form Products: 1stphorm.com/dadedge
Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/1391

If this episode sparked new conversations at your dinner table—or made you rethink your financial game plan—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let's raise strong, wise, and prepared men.