376-My Suggestions for How This 13-Year-Old Student Can Be Financially Independent at 30

I received the note below from a listener of my show and today I answer it!

Enjoy,

Joshua

----- Hi Mr. Sheats! I'm a home educated 13-year-old fan of your podcast. I love how in-depth, interesting, and out-of-the-box it is. I used to listen to the Dave Ramsey Show a lot, but that got really bland, so my dad suggested your show. I love it! I've been listening pretty much daily since January of this year, and you've inspired me to become financially independent before age 30. Right now, I'm saving 70% of my income from working at my parents' dental office and trying to develop skills that will get me closer to that goal (such as math, coding, and finance, all things I love learning about and think have the best potential to help me become financially independent). Do you have any advice for a thirteen-year-old listener like me? As for a specific question, I was wondering whether you would recommend I continue doing high school at home or attending our local public school. I'm really interested in taking CLEP classes since those could help me finish college faster. As far as I can tell, the pros of public school are:

• I'm pretty extroverted, so being able to hang out with friends every day sounds fun (although I'm sure high school isn't just hanging out!). The high school in our district is ranked 10/10, so it's supposed to be a good school academically.
• It might be a good way to get a feel for going to a "normal" school and make getting used to staying at the teacher's pace, and other skills I might need for college easier.
• The transcript is automatic, but in home education, you have to detail everything yourself and make sure it fits with requirements.

Cons:

• I love being home educated!
• I'm an independent learner, and I can learn faster just reading something and taking a test than sitting in class for an hour.
• I'd probably have less time in a public school as opposed to home education. Other than hanging out with friends, writing my fantasy novel, and playing music, I want to spend my free time as a homeschooler learning skills, experimenting with starting a business, and studying CLEP.
• I'd have to stick with the class, but with home education, everything's based on your pace, so you can go faster.
• I love how we can take vacations or days off sporadically, but in public school, with such long summer breaks, etc, you can't miss a day comfortably.
• I'd have to wake up early (;

Thanks for all your time!

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