What is the smartest financial decision you have made

[Ricky]

I agree with that.  I don't follow any of Dave's investing advice, but can't go wrong paying down debt.  That's basically what I did the first few years out of residency.  Didn't know what to invest in, so just threw everything at mortgage, student loans and business loans.  Found WCI when I had money I could invest, which worked out perfect.

[The White Coat Investor]

Learned how to invest without a financial advisor. I figure that's currently worth something like $10-20K a year this year and is worth more every year.

[Dicast]

My smartest and dumbest financial decision is almost the same thing.  I tried out stock trading before I had any substantial amounts of money.  The net loss of about $6k from picking some horrible stocks (lost $8k on one ridiculous pick) made me continue my education into finance so much further that now I almost consider it a fee I paid to educate myself.

[Mmd]

Sounds interesting.   What happened to your monthly mortgage expense?  Why do you feel this was a good move?

[wideopenspaces]

Going to med school in Texas-super cheap tuition . . . having a reasonable budget . . . paying off student loans within 6 months post residency . . . picking a specialty I love and that I'm happy to do for many years to come.