WOW, thanks for sharing your story. I guess being an entrepreneur one has to take risks, and lend money (ie have some form of credit), but I do agree with some of your lessons learned. Due to your circumstances, you had to entrepreneur yourself at a young age; I think that is really good. My parents gave me what I wished for (which was not much), paid for everything including uni, but they also learned me the value of money when I was really young. I usually help out in the business of my parents without even asking for money or anything. Once so often my Dad gave me some fiat money as a reward, usually more than average. I usually took it to the bank to my savings account, since I rarely bought something since I dont need a lot of material things. In recent years I had to cut down on my spendings as well, and it is really nice to see that one doesn't need a lot to live and still be happy :)