My older siblings taught me these 4 key lessons about money and success.

I love being the youngest sibling.

My older brother and sisters taught me everything I know, so I don't feel like I got any special treatment or had fewer rules at home.

I am the youngest of three siblings: Kari, who is nine years older; Zack, who is seven years older; and Kassidy, who is two years older.

Observing their growth from childhood provided me with a valuable learning experience. As pioneers in school and at home, they faced challenges and achieved successes that taught me important lessons about how to succeed.

I learned my earliest money lessons from my family, and I'm grateful for the financial experiences of my siblings, which have influenced my own approach to money.

Here are four money lessons I learned from my older siblings.

1. Avoid private student loans if you can

Kari and Zack were unable to obtain federal student loans due to our family's financial situation, leaving them with no choice but to take out private loans to pay for college.

Kari dropped out of school before completing her degree, which left her with limited options for financial relief or lower monthly payments. She struggled financially during my high school years and was unable to make loan payments for a while.

Our house was frequently bombarded with calls from Sallie Mae representatives, demanding payment from a young teenager who didn't fully comprehend the situation but knew to ignore the calls when "Sallie Mae" appeared on the caller ID.

For some families, private loans are the only option to pay for college, as they were for my siblings. However, they can be worth it if they enable you to complete your degree and secure a high-paying job.

Federal loans typically offer more safeguards for borrowers, including a fixed interest rate set by Congress and the possibility of loan forgiveness through programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Although Kari and Zack were able to manage their loans throughout most of their years in repayment, I was still fearful of Sallie Mae until I was preparing to go to college. However, my family's financial situation had changed significantly, and I qualified for federal loans, which allowed me to fund most of my education that way.

2. Your network is your net worth

My first job was obtained through my siblings, as Zack had a task assisting our elderly neighbors with chores, including collecting their garbage bins and delivering the newspaper to their doorstep.

He offered his newspaper job, which paid $5 a week, to whoever could get there quicker, either me or Kassidy, when he left for a school trip for a couple of days. I was seven years old and eager to earn that cash, so I set my alarm and got up before the sun to wait for the newspaper drop next door.

In middle school, I landed my first regular babysitting job, which earned me around $25 a week, through my sisters.

Getting a job often relies more on personal connections than on one's qualifications. The saying "your network is your net worth" highlights the importance of building relationships in your career.

As a reporter, I rely on my networks to discover stories, sources, and expert insights.

3. Skip store credit cards

My sister Kassidy learned the hard way that while store credit cards may offer discounts, they can lead to debt if not managed properly, especially for those new to credit management.

In college, Kassidy accumulated a significant amount of debt on a Victoria's Secret credit card. Despite earning minimum wage, her monthly payments became unaffordable.

When debt collectors started contacting her by phone, she ignored them. The creditors even tried to reach out to me, threatening serious trouble for my sister if she didn't pay.

My sister was forced to settle with collectors and pay back a portion of the total owed on a payment plan, resulting in a lawsuit.

Although Kassidy is now in a better position, those phone calls still haunt me. I enjoy loyalty programs and discounts when shopping, but whenever I'm presented with one that requires opening a new credit card, I decline.

Regular credit cards can lead to manageable amounts of debt, but store cards often have higher interest rates, causing debt to grow faster if not paid off monthly. Additionally, store cards may not offer the same rewards benefits as regular credit cards.

4. Success looks different for everyone

While I was told that the key to success is to attend college and obtain a high-paying office job, my siblings demonstrated that alternative paths can also lead to a fulfilling and successful life.

Although we have all embarked on different paths, we are all content and accomplished in our respective pursuits. Kari is a devoted mother of three and has achieved a senior management position at her company. Zack has attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Kassidy has found success as a singer, performing on stage with her band on weekends.

Despite the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life and achieving certain milestones, such as purchasing a home or starting a family, I sometimes feel like I'm falling behind. At nearly 30 years old, I still live in a rental property, carry debt, and am the sole caregiver for a (perfect) bulldog.

Growing up, my mom taught me that it's important to have backup plans in case Plan A doesn't work out. This lesson has helped me to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges.

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