The Mistakes I Made in 2024

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Add another failure to the list I forgot to add a stamp to the envelope full of cash... 🤣I will go to the post office now If you want the free course sign up here 📨 financialinterest.com/index-funds-for-beginners/

[@TomRyanElliott]

I was just about to say that after watching this 😅 It's been a great year with all the channels you've created-keep up the amazing work! Wishing you a fantastic New Year's Eve. My biggest regret was staying at a job that didn't value me because of my disability. Next year, I'm leaving to pursue my passion for video and grow my channel by collaborating with other videographers.

[@Cornish_Stu]

You've had another great year, no one is perfect and the self awareness to realise this is powerful, some people are god like and post a video about it! 🙂 Best to think like most business failures are just expensive unplanned training courses on how to improve and succeed. Probably worth stating to never send cash in the post, it rarely gets to the destination and "falls off" the sorting lines.

[@AlisonWonderland999]

My heart was in my mouth watching you post that without a stamp on it! Must be some subconscious resistance to supporting United, even indirectly 😄

[@Cornish_Stu]

​@@AlisonWonderland999 it's funny to think Royal Mail could send united one of those cards requesting payment to receive a letter that had no postage stamp. :)

[@colinhitchman2495]

🤣 I noticed that! Don't worry; my brother posted a Christmas card to me without a stamp - It still arrived through our letterbox (the same day his "stamped" replacement card arrived) 😜

[@steve-EV]

Damo… you have put tens of thousands of people on the right financial path by talking about successes and failures! There are no better life lessons. Legend!

[@SolinoidEU]

Damien, been watching for a couple of years. As a chartered accountant with over 10 years of experience, I'm pretty well versed in finance. Yours is the only finance channel I watch and subscribe to, because your integrity comes through in everything you do. The community here are massively appreciative of your work. There's a lot of value in doing some self reflection and building for the future, but please don't be too hard on yourself. You're doing an incredible job for everyone who watches!

[@DamienTalksMoney]

I am sorry if the tone at the start seemed a bit negative not my intention i am very happy with how the year has gone. I think when you try to speak to camera unscripted it can come across a bit sad when really I am just thinking what i want to say

[@RedHeadForester]

This is reassuring to hear. This channel easily passes the "sniff test" but I lack the background knowledge to make a 100% solid assessment of credibility on my own, so it's still good to read stuff like this from people in the know.

[@leocoyne8118]

I think this is correct and you nailed it in one word: Integrity. right or wrong, interesting or boring, this video , like much of Danien's posts, is genuine. integrity shines through it. you can't fake that

[@DavidCain-k8e]

To quote Oscar Wilde “ Experience is the hardest teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson later”

[@PinkDiamond7777777]

If it was math, I'd say that's the best way to learn.

[@DudeAbidez]

You've helped me tremendously this last year. Because of your videos, I consolidated my pensions and moved out of the rubbish default fund to a global index. I didn't even know what the value of my pensions were or how many I had. I saved up an emergency fund and filled my ISA allowance for the year. I also took out Critical Illness and Income Protection. I now have a retirement plan that I'm happy with and no longer feel that constant background anxiety for my future that I didn't even realise was there. I really appreciate your channel.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Love this! Well done for taking action and keep me updated on how you progress.

[@rollthetape88]

are consolidating pensions a good idea? i though the penalities were severe?

[@DamienTalksMoney]

@@rollthetape88 penalties, if any really depend on who your current pensions are with.

[@michaelnoy4283]

We appreciate all the content you have given us in understanding what a portfolio is, in turn I’ve sorted out pensions and Isa’s and spread your word to my family. Thank you & Happy New Year.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Thank you so much for this amazing to hear you have sorted everything out

[@LeedsJimbo82]

My failure: Lack of self growth in a financial sense, I made some awful financial decisions in my 20’s, and paid for them long in to my 30’s. Now I’m 42 and thanks to your channel Damien, I started my investment journey this year, I know I’m late to the party, but better late than never. I’ve learnt to spend more of my free time educating myself and your channel has been a massive inspiration for this! Thank You.

[@craigsketo]

You are never too late, I'm 55 and only started this year too, the point is you started , well done buddy ;-)

[@sorindstoian3262]

Anytime start is better than no start

[@mrmilkman2592]

Looking back, I messed up by selling myself short in 2024 and letting people walk all over me at work - but man, did it open my eyes to knowing what I'm truly worth. I've finally learned to speak up for myself, and with a new job lined up for next year, I'm ready to start fresh and never let anyone undervalue me again.

[@cbrockett6736]

Reading your comment takes me back 3-4 years when I was in the exact same position as you are describing here. The feeling from being bullied at work was far worse than I thought it would be. Self confidence and self respect were on the floor but I eventually found myself in a job where I am valued. And this job is more challenging and a far better opportunity than the last one

[@mrmilkman2592]

​@@cbrockett6736Thank you for sharing this - it's so reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing and found success. Your story gives me hope that this new chapter I'm starting will lead to similar growth and appreciation

[@mrmilkman2592]

​@@cbrockett6736Thank you for sharing this - it's so reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing and found success. Your story gives me hope that this new chapter I'm starting will lead to similar growth and appreciation

[@davidstuart3795]

Good luck in 2025. I had this challenge a few years ago. It felt horrible at the time and I felt totally helpless. But it’s probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m a completely different person in that area of my life and much better for it.

[@L-v6g]

Good luck in the new role!

[@mylovelyman2]

Joined your channel recently, dude. I see a humble man who is on a path to outrageous growth.

[@mmartin4978]

I'd rather have 40 videos that you want to do than have 80 that you have to do, thanks for last year and good luck with the next

[@KnockKnockNeo]

You’re a star mate. Thank you for your investment help since I’ve been watching your channel. It’s helped my son’s and my future. Me and my mum struggled financially when I was young too- really up against it (but still great memories)! Thankfully, financially things are very different these days where I ‘earn’ what I consider to be a privileged salary, and grateful not to get child benefit and enjoy paying levels of tax etc that many higher earners moan about… The contrast in my financial situation was mostly due to her efforts to push me forwards in life. Love your background and openness which is what keeps me watching and recommending to friends and colleagues. You give a great level of understandable and well thought out info, which people like me can use to act on and build from. Please have a coffee and a cake as a token of thanks. All the best for you and your fam in the new year 💪❤️⭐️

[@LB-W]

I agree about Steven Bartlett. It says money is his god. Stay honest Damo. It’s your biggest asset. 🙏

[@barking_mad6649]

Dude only cares about views. No integrity.

[@johnlow810]

Only the worst of the worst people are fans of that guy

[@gaurasrspublishing]

​@@johnlow810 That's a foolish statement at best. You're just a sheep following the current crowd to slag him off. I've seen a few of his videos that were fantastic, so you need to have some balance in your comments instead of being part of a braying brainless mob

[@racheldixon387]

​@@johnlow810 The worst of the worst are serial killers, rapists and paedophiles, not millions of people who simply watch a weekly podcast to try to learn something new. 🙄

[@hannah60000]

I can’t speak too much on him, but having read the first few pages of his books, heard stories of those who worked for him, and my own intuition - something about him doesn’t sit right with me. I do enjoy some of the shows, mainly because of the guests, but something isn’t right in the pudding (whatever that is only time will tell!)

[@sam90heywood]

My failure: right at the end of 2023 I was made redundant from my dream job, awesome company, great boss, meaningful work - losing it knocked me for 6. I decided to use the redundancy money to fund a new life in Australia, sold everything I owned and packed my bag and on 8th January if took a one way flight out of the UK. On the way I decided to do a few months travelling around SE Asia. But after 3 months I was so home sick that I called off the move to Aus, cancelled my travel plans and booked a flight straight back to the UK. Having sold everything before I left, on return I had to rebuild my life from scratch. But while starting from a blank canvas has very stressful it's also been refreshing. The experience of having nothing has taught me what I really value - family, friends and freedom. Knowing this I have been systematic putting into place plans to make the most of what matters and ignore what doesn't. Many material desires I used to have now seem pointless to me, and instead I can invest that money to give me more freedom and time with the people that matter. Ps. If I'm a winner just give the cash to a mental health charity.

[@LaurenceMozafari]

My biggest failure of the year was staying in a toxic job I'd promised myself I'd leave years ago. I finally did at the end of the year albeit via redundancy rather than prioritising what was best for me much earlier. Time is finite, which I know you speak about a lot, I don't want to waste so much of it again. Thanks for the amazing content, I really respect you keeping it free to help others starting out, and I really respect your humility for making a video like this. Keep up the great work.

[@richardlongmuir8348]

Same happened to me 2 years ago,enjoy this fantastic opportunity and good luck

[@Jalleur14325]

It isn't always easy to change even if we know we should. At least you took the plunge.

[@VixRah]

Super relatable. Congratulations on your new start. You've got this 🥳

[@MrDuncl]

I hope you got a good redundancy deal. A colleague got 15 months money for retiring two years early. Definitely worth hanging on for.

[@dardog7734]

You’re being hard on yourself, you’ve taught me a lot and I think the pair of you are good lads and well balanced. Keep up the good work and happy new year

[@martynwarwick5911]

Thanks!

[@DMFP93]

Damien my Brother is a chartered IFA and literally mentions you to his clients as someone who can explain financial concepts in a way for non-experts to understand. You are human, “to err is human”.

[@RobWilliams-wv5cf]

Happy New Year Damo, in November 2023 I clicked on one of your videos just before bed and that decision literally changed my financial future! In one year I've gone from having various small zombie pensions with high fees and default funds, cash stored in accounts getting less than 1%, and not really sure what, if anything, to do about it. Thanks to you i now have pensions consilidated and properly invested, cash earning decent interest, understand the direction I'm going in with my finances! That massive change in just one year is all down to you, and now I am the one talking to friends and family to make sure they get themselves on track too! You are the best financial YT'er in my opinion and love the podcast too!

[@kasmstamps1897]

I liquidated everything I'd accumulated over 34 years to pivot into disruption. So heavy in Tesla & bitcoin. My biggest mistake was investing in ARKK. I didn't realise that they rebalance their fund. But I'm glad that I owned the mistake, sold the position and pivoted into MicroStrategy. It is a small position but better than none.

[@K3NN3H1]

you didnt fail me, I have listened and took on your advice for a few years now and its helped me massively.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Great hearing this thank you

[@andrewl9020]

5 seconds in and hearing that you have failed! You've got tp be kidding me. Inspirational channel with very thoughtful and considered content. By no means a failure. Now let's watch the rest of the video.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Sorry it came across that way i recorded it in 1 take and probably should have been clearer or said it sooner the year has been a great success i wanted to show how there have been failures along the way and this is very normal.

[@OBH123]

Love the honesty Damo. And good to hear the lessons and not just the failures. You helped me start my investing journey too. But like others have said, don’t be too hard on yourself. You give us all this stuff with absolutely no charge- we should be (and I am) grateful, not expectant. Thanks man.

[@Jon1998109]

My top failure is a personal one, I spent 5 years in a relationship that I knew wasn't working because I was paralysed by the fear of being lonely and starting again. While that relationship failed and I am now alone, I am not lonely. Starting again is hard because you idea of the future is blank however this is exciting. I will face many challenges but I learnt not doing something out of fear will never solve the problem. Happy new year, 2025 will be a better one than 2024

[@mrtod13]

Don't beat yourself up. You're really helping many, many people, me included. You're an absolute diamond. Happy new year and keep up the great work ❤

[@jamesaustin7761]

My biggest failure of 2024 was to give in to distraction and procrastination in my work, and personal mental and physical development. My main takeaway is to just get started on the big/difficult tasks, and not let the little things take me off on a tangent. Best wishes for 2025 all, and keep up the great work Damien 👏

[@veeman879]

Just to say you’re a legend. I am 37 expecting my 2nd baby next year. I have started my investment journey in large part due to how accessible you and your podcasts were.

[@dondeestaritchie1536]

Im on the Same boat as you buddy

[@veeman879]

@ we got this, I have a plan and something tangible to work towards. Before it was mystifying but now I feel a lot more informed. Super important being a young parent to have that anxiety reduced with a plan. Good luck mate, we can always support each other if you wish.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Congrats on your 2nd child mate!

[@veeman879]

Thank you, I can’t credit you enough for the journey I am on. Your podcast episode on discussing finances with family helped me loads when speaking to me wife. We again now have a joined up approach, which we will see us do more than what we have done. I love how down to earth your projections and forecasts are, it can be off putting when other channels casually throw around investing £1000 every month etc when for most in the UK and the world that is luxury. So I actively avoid those channels in favour of yours and a select few others.

[@davidmcmanus2464]

Don't be so hard on yourself, you do a tremendous job giving out financial advice. It is very much appreciated

[@stephenchilds3909]

I really like your yo-yo analogy, it gives a great visual representation of what repeatedly looking at portfolio balance feels like!

[@DamienTalksMoney]

I wish I came up with it but someone else did

[@wl660]

As a city fan, Stay Humble

[@kaliban2747]

I'm also a Bristol City fan, we must stay humble!

[@clarenceishmael9615]

It takes a big man to acknowledge his mistakes so full credit to you. Nothing wrong with pushing back as it makes the conversation altogether more interesting and authentic so please don't change.

[@JeromeSkl]

Your content has been fun to watch , it's not just the message you share but the delivery . Thank you .

[@CavanHagan2]

My failure: I got made redundant in my job. I learned I got way too comfortable doing the same thing every day and not growing and expanding outside of this. After being made redundant I applied to be redeployed in my company for many different roles. I realised I consistently was lacking something for each of these roles. The positive is I was fortunate enough to land another role in my company. I actually make slightly more now, but I have so much to learn. Going forwards, I'm definitely going to focus on building my skills and the value I can offer. And also build a larger emergency fund, as I have now realised that my small one didn't give me much comfort. Thanks for the video Damien, really enjoyed this, and share the same feelings you have.

[@dreamingwide]

My biggest failure of 2024 was being too harsh on myself at work and at life after I had spent months on sick leave due to a severe health issue. I am my biggest critic, people at work have me in high account, I've always strived for nothing less than perfection and I would beat myself up for not performing my job as fast and as well as prior to the illness. I'd also beat myself up for not being as happy as I felt I should be after beating that illness and being "back to normal". I logically knew I wasn't being fair with myself but, emotionally, I wasn't understanding it. It took me listening to some videos on Taoism for things to click in my brain and understanding that I don't need to be working full steam for things to get done. That swimming against the current will just make me more tired and not necessarily take me further. That sometimes in life, it may be best to let ourselves go with the current and we will reach the same result with less resistance. Really liked your video Damo, I could relate to a lot of the perfectionism you talked about and your talk about the process vs failure, was quite eye opening for my own relationship with my hobbies. I hope you have a calmer 2025!

[@sidehustlereliance]

I've always struggled with self-doubt-constantly questioning my abilities and feeling like I couldn't measure up to my peers. Over time, I've understood that it's okay to be different. You don't have to do things the same way as everyone else; forging your own path can sometimes lead to even better outcomes. Looking back, this mindset began in school, 15 years ago (wow). When I started creating content on KZbin, I faced criticism for it. But now, it's considered a "dream" career. Thank you for being transparent, Damien. I'm excited to see all that you'll accomplish in 2025!

[@Greebodeux]

I had a long list of goals for 2024. My biggest failure was not keeping it shorter. I wanted to clear all my debt, start investing, lose weight, make more money, start my own business, get a new boiler installed, new kitchen, sort the garden out and loads more. Needless to say, I failed on over half of them. 2025 has 3 goals. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all the help and advice. Couldn't do it without you!

[@8G00SE8]

So you succeeded on almost half, good job.

[@Greebodeux]

​@8G00SE8 was being very British...probably failed on most of them because it was hard to focus on so many things at once.

[@Greebodeux]

In case anyone is interested...my 3 goals for 2025 are as follows. #1 Lose weight and exercise more. #2 Pay off the last £7k of debt. #3 Put aside £4k for my daughters University fees. Everything else that I failed on in 2024 is up for grabs in 26 and 27

[@3xAudio]

You are a legend Damo. Feels like an actual real person giving us advice. Thanks for all you have done over the last few years. There’s no such thing as failure. Just failure to try.

[@JamesSmithPT]

Being disappointed with who you were three or six months ago is a great sign of growth. I personally had two projects that completely flopped this year. If one year on your journey, you don’t have a video like this to post you probably weren’t doing enough. Great video.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

You legend mate thank you for this. I am looking forward to making loads more mistakes this year

[@richardlecocq]

The only failure I see in this video is not putting a stamp on that letter containing £200. Thank you for all the amazing advice and insight.

[@lonsdalecomponents]

My failure this year, being fired from my dream job because my mental health was failing, I didn't know the impact being autistic was having on my health. Gone self employed but still early days and terrifying.

[@telle_tale_travel9449]

Strangly my biggest failure was overworking. I started off like you, i had a happy childhood but was in a not very well off family. My dad was disabled and money was tight. In my early 20s i decided that i didnt want to live a life worried about money so tried to equip myself with all the skills that meant my life would be different. I learnt financial skills, minimalism, and the general hustle of working hard. However fast for almost a decade i have found myself trapped in a mindset i taught myself (which im proud of admittedly) but have perhaps gone to far. I was also impacted by rising mortgage rates which made me chase security even harder due to the adversity i was facing. This year i was working 6 days weeks and not allowing myself any money to spend on fun. I have lost my zest for life along the way and I have failed living this year in leui of work but have learnt that i need to cut myself a little slack and enjoy life (and it doesnt even have to cost a lot - i just need to be more creative). ❤

[@SteveMoo1989]

Thank you for your videos mate. As many have said here, you’ve really helped me be relaxed about finance and you are a joy to watch. Keep doing what you’re doing and know you’re making a difference. You should be proud of yourself.

[@holdupmaster]

You've done really good things, regularly recommend your content to people who are new to investing / personal finance.

[@williamkay1127]

Videos like this are what make you my favourite content creator. Personable, reflective, self aware and flawless integrity

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Thank you so much

[@nishant71292]

Really refreshing to see content like this. Open and honest about failures in a pragmatic and constructive way.

[@johnjones6890]

That guest needed proper push back! He was nothing like that previous lady you interviewed who had humility on the issue about stock picking. He just felt like a cheap car sales man saying buying my course

[@stephenbrook65]

Agree, it cuts both ways - you might have pushed back at him, but equally his proposition was so flimsy … he had no coherent point of view

[@TilmanHartleyVideo]

Totally agree. I thought the push back against Steve Clapham was totally reasonable. I don't see pushing back on interviewees as a failing at all. On the contrary, I thought Damo did very well.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

I agree he needed push back and great to hear you think I handled it well but I know going into the conversation I felt ready for an argument T even alluded to this in the chat and that is not how I should be.

[@dan44zzt231]

I really liked that you grilled him. It seemed like an odd guest as most of your listeners don't seem like they'd be stupid enough to fall for buy my course grifters.

[@davem.4003]

​@@DamienTalksMoneyThere's no harm in challenging another person's point of view for the benefit of balance. There is also the option of "give someone enough rope..." Equally, there's no harm in inviting and interviewing guests that have a different approach - it's always good to develop a broader understanding. Unfortunately, some people are unable to differentiate and simply expect constant reinforcement of a single point of view.

[@pisgah2715]

I'm so glad you're here. You've helped me so much since I discovered your channel.

[@leannet8999]

My failure: A little over a year ago I started a new job, one that I had imagined for a long time would be what I wanted to do until I retire, I wasn't unhappy in my previous job, but the new one is where I thought I would end up. On paper it was exactly what I was looking for and it was a great place to work. One problem, I did not enjoy the work and missed my old role, my previous vision of the endgame career was gone and I could not imagine myself there anymore. After almost a year my previous role became available again, and long story short they welcomed me back. So my failure is taking a step back, but it's not really a step back in my eyes, I learned a lot in the other role and now that thought of the other role that was in the back of my head has gone, the itch has been scratched. I am much happier day to day and can now focus on moving forward on this path and figuring out what I want as I go ☺️ thank you for this video, it is a great perspective to have about failure, 'smaller' and 'unspectacular' failures can be very useful life lessons and shift us onto a better path that we don't expect.

[@CHRIISM]

Hands down the single best place for finance content for the general population here on KZbin. I’ve been following you for years and you have helped me understand fairly complex investing information which I wouldn’t have been taught at all without your help!! All the best for the new year and we all support you.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

You legend thank you so much and happy new year!

[@DhrTomasz]

Thanks

[@joannar5471]

You're not 'failing' you're learning man! You have enabled thousands to attain financial security with your channels! Congratulate yourself, hug your family, stay humble and keep going :)

[@pikusionexio]

A nice change of videos in the modern era of KZbin, felt like actually listening to a real person rather than trying to hold on to my attention span. Makes it worthwhile seeing a person actually accepting their mistakes at face value. Happy new year!

[@Variably3256]

It's a shame the B2B didn't work; At my place we (staff) were basically asking for something like you offered. I can imagine though that 99% of staff wouldn't want to pay and would expect the company to pay for the benefit, and that in turn is where and why I suspect this failed. Which is a shame.

[@Hgh_hhb]

Your advice has been life changing for me. Thank you.

[@RajaseelanGaneswaran]

Mate, your video on changing the default pension contributions was the reason i have a larger pot now. Thank you!

[@luckymeat3050]

I appreciate the fact that you produce fewer videos than "similar" channels. It's not about the number. It's the consideration that goes into your output. Don't go changing. Happy new year.

[@adamwestrip7422]

Damian you’re a star. Hard working, generous and down to earth. You deserve every bit of success you have. I found you almost a year ago now and you’ve helped me improve the finances of my whole family, for which I am eternally grateful.

[@theAmateurInvestorstory]

Feels like an actual real person giving us advice. Thanks for all you have done

[@fuzzball5678]

Damien - I am a 46 year old female from South Africa. I am a qualified Management accountant and quite honestly we never get taught the simple personal financial principles. I found a mentor a few years back that helped to change my life and set me back on the path of being curious about investing again. I have done courses with her and started reading and watching more and more. I found your channel and I appreciate your straightforward, no-nonsense and honest approach. I really enjoy the channel and the podcast. I will now go sign up for the newsletter 😊 I completely get you on the failure thing. Failing was never an option in my life either. It can be hard to 'accept'. But please try not think of anything you haven't done as a failure. It is a learning that as you said. In fact I find you quite inspiring and would love to get more into the world of financial education (I have recently completed a coaches course with my mentor but I need to find a way to start using that knowledge). Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that you are reaching people all over the world and I look forward to seeing what you produce this coming year. All the best!

[@abdnmusic12]

Honest and inspiring as always. Happy new year, Damien! 🎉

[@ricardorego4139]

My failure this year was following a job change (diagonal down) that I made to spend more time with my young daughter and partner. I grew frustrated and angry as I felt I wasn't where I should be professionally. I wasted so much time being angry until I remembered WHY I made the change and have been far happier since. Lessons were 1) remember and trust the convictions that drove a change 2) it's OK to prioritise some pillars of life over others for a while. It will all rebalance when it's right, so.. 3) just enjoy yourself while the years/health are on your side!

[@Shibbymatt]

My biggest failure of 2024 is thinking that dating apps are a good way to find a partner. There's a reason so many people are on them and that's because they take zero effort. Low stake risk but also low value reward. I'm not going to find love by swiping on my phone while taking a dump. In 2025 I will try other options like in-person speed dating instead; something that takes actual effort.

[@adkrrr1892]

Damo... my biggest failure this year was undervaluing my own self worth in a professional capacity. In February I lost my job, wasn't treated particularly well and in the proceeding months of unemployment and really struggling to find a job, I thought 'it must be me' and that the previous employers were correct to let me go. In June I started my new job, which pays less but I absolutely love it and feel so valued in my role by my senior colleagues. I get to do a fulfilling job helping to improve the lives of people with a rare neuromuscular disease now and everyday I'm thankful the opportunity came along and I took it. In my dark times this year when finances were extremely tough, I came across your channel and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you. You have helped me click refresh and come to terms with financial aspects of my life I had neglected previously. I'm still relatively new to this area but you and a few other channels have made my learning quick, fun and incredibly comprehensive. Keep sharing your knowledge and thoughts, we all value it greatly.

[@migsteele]

Biggest failure, focusing too heavily on work. Grinding for a promotion and not taking holiday time for 6 months. It burnt me out, killed my health, hurt my relationships and lead to me being unwell. With debt to pay and a baby to look after with my wife on maternity leave, I was trying to keep the roof over our heads, but I neglected our relationship. It was a question from your podcast recently that reiterates the lesson. ‘Who are your happiest clients?’… those who have great relationships. Make that money, build that future, but remember what it’s all for. Thanks for all your advice and videos, I’ll be listening more.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

The happiest client point hit me hard to as it really just makes you realise what is important. You did the best for your family and you shouldn't feel bad about that you now have clarity also on what is important. I hope your health is better Damo

[@jamesw9235]

My biggest failure of this year - assuming that when things are going well that they always will. Lesson learned - keep a safety net, plan for things to go wrong, as they can and do. A bit like your yoyo. Thanks for the great content

[@1crazyboiii]

In 2024 I failed to get an anticipated promotion at work. It resulted in leaving me in a dead end role with little prospects for the future. After some self-pity and serious introspection I have learned that in order to move forward and progress I must try to get a transfer and move outside my comfort zone. I will do this in 2025. Happy New Year everyone.

[@craigjessop5015]

I have to say this blog touched me. I have an in healthy relationship with failure. And a lot of this is due to my upbringing. I’ve thought a lot about this year and how I navigated it, from a lot of personal issues to a change of job. Professionally, I’m now in the highest paid job I’ve ever had, yet being honest not happy. I’ve learnt that chasing the salary isn’t all that matters. My view of finance has changed a lot, I’m not debt free for the first time since university! I emerged the year with over £20k of debt. This is now cleared. My family now budget every month. I think my relationship around money had changed a lot. My desire to be a successful lead to over spending. Fake it till you make it. I’ve always tired my personal success to my professional success. I think slowly this is changing. It’s hard when I’ve had this unhealthy balance of success and failure and how this can effect every part of your live. Now me and my family are focused on building our wealth, hope to clear our pension in the next 4 years and build our pensions. I love how you can break down what finance means in a meaningful and way which is easy to understand. You’re a normal bloke speaking normal language and I’ve found this helpful. Thanks for being apart of my journey during 2024!

[@alastairjones7200]

Reminds me of Goodharts Law "When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure."

[@user-hs3dg8jy3t]

You’ve helped me and my mates get our finances on track. Thanks and happy new year !

[@samrobertstheratcliff]

I tried to speak to my company about you guys coming in and doing talks - our pension provider - a well known company run by whiskey loving widowers, already do “pension knowledge” seminars once or twice a year. They’re crap, patronising, basic and just sell their own pension products (mainly their lifestyle default rubbish), but they are free to the company so they weren’t interested in paying for genuinely independent and informed financial knowledge from you guys. At least it wasn’t just my pitch, budgets are being cut everywhere. Glad you’re still succeeding and growing in your own way.

[@drpipe]

You Can NEVER fail Trying. Thanks for the content and happy NEW YEAR

[@Stephen0091]

Great topic !!!! I failed so hard this year its insane !!!!!!! Im on benefits and had 16k exactly in stock but some miney i came into took me over the 16k and had housing and other things cut so really struggling! My dad died recently and i was given some money that took me over the 16k same time so i put it aside as i was not ready to spend at that time! I have hit a major wall and unsure where i go from here 😑so basically i threw other peoples money down the drain, asked CAB if i can return it they said no youl need it for rent ! Merry new year

[@reaver5]

My Failure : Age 32 with no investments, savings or house. This year has been challenging but a wake up call. After failing 2 job interviews for a senior role, I decided to focus on what I can change in the real time and act right now. Through the help of this channel and havinf zero experiance, I started investing in an index fund to start hitting my goals, learnt more about diversification with shares and how to build wealth. I feel it was the failure of not achieving my top promotion goals that now started me on a path of small achievements with the aim of reaching the bigger goals in time. This has helped me to be 6 months into saving and investing, granting me the confidence to try again next year whilst feeling on a better path that is leading somewhere.

[@BaileyMxX]

Congrats, you've had the light bulb moment financially with enough time to be able to fix the situation, another 10-15 years and you'd have had a huge mountain to scale but instead in a decades time you'll really be able to see what you've achieved. It's channels like Damos that are really helping those that aren't financially astute to get started on their wealth building journeys and that it's not only for those from wealthy backgrounds

[@katemoncrieff5774]

You have been a huge help to me getting my finances sorted. I have had trouble in the past with financial advisors etc. and I wish I had found your videos sooner. (Julian of Norwich has some helpful things to say on failure.)

[@Variably3256]

I dont want the 200. However the failure, business wise was not recognising signs of being given the run around. This cost me about 4k out of pocket (plus expenses) and lost the income of about 40k. This was some time ago now, but it all but killed my enthusiasm for work and the willingness to be lenient with people in the future. It's taken a long time for that 'stress' or anxiety to go, though I'm still feeling the after effects of that time today which has cost more money in turn. A runaway train so to speak. --- Lessons learnt though. Hard, but learnt.

[@Nerdificationing]

My failure. I had a friend for over a decade that lost his battle with cancer in his early 30s leaving behind a small child. Upon reflection, I felt like I never gave him enough time while he was alive. Overly focused on work and progression. I missed out on so many moments and memories. This is a failure I'll live with forever. RIP buddy.

[@Callmesi]

Looking forward to the course. It was you that got me into index funds 3 years ago. Just need to get my wife to start.

[@StefsYouTube]

You've helped me massively Damo! Don't sell yourself short mate! All the best for 25!

[@Samgathor]

What sets you apart from other finance content creators is how organic your videos are. Simple and impactful. Well paced, too. Keep creating, we'll keep loving it.

[@jamesevans9974]

What an outstanding contribution as has been all year, you may not know but is quite inspirational as we all fail but find hard to admit. So my biggest failure this year is not following up quickly enough with new jobs/enquiries (small business as a window cleaner, with son reliant on me), mainly due to family bereavements (My mum, 92, father in law, 92 and sister in law, 60) then being executor of Mums will. I have however got back to those who I have missed and have found someone else often . I have followed the advice from a customer who is 82 and said "get back to those who contacted you, deal with it then don't worry, if somebody who found you yesterday, someone else with find you tomorrow"

[@v795619]

Damien, you've helped me and I'm sure countless other people here and that is truly incredible. Thank you for all you do

[@TomsPersonalFinance]

Happy new year, Damien. Thanks for this honest insight and being so open, but honestly your achievements are incredible. You've changed so many people's lives and futures for the better through your content. You're an inspiration. All the best.

[@QuantumDelta]

Not that I'm genuinely expecting a chance at 200(edit; to be clear give it to someone else if I end up up there), but my mistake of 2024, was actually buying a house. First time buyer, massive deposit (I saved my butt off), so equity wise I'm ok.. and I'm sticking the course out here, so I'm really hoping this goes ok. Despite doing a L2 RICS survey, and really doing as much due diligence as I could, we found a bunch of things really wrong with the house after moving in (major damp that was completely unobvious and missed by the survey, eletrical dangers, plumbing problems, and a leaky bathroom wall being the main ones I guess), my other half can't be on the mortgage, and I got it in in the little dip of interest rates the banks gave out when they thought BOE was dropping the baseline. So..the 10k contingency stuff that I had for the house is gone, and we've been dining on floorboards and had no curtains or much of anything outside our office for the last few months because of my poor planning and execution. All this is made worse by the fact that only a tiny bit before I bought the house (I'd say 6 months?), saving my butt up to 80k for the deposit I'd done all of that in my savings account attached to my bank account - not a great interest rate, not invested, not in an ISA (the last year, I was close to paying interest), no LISA no Help to buy, I really didn't know about many of these things like I do now, and a large part of that is thanks to your work Damo. So aside from my compounding mistakes on the house, what I really wanted to say, and the reason for the long post; Thank you. For all the people you've helped, for all the people you will help in the future. I've very much been attempting to spread the financial literacy that I've gained here to my family since - being the oldest of our generation I very much made sure to step on all the landmines so others can walk through safely lol. I wish more people had had your passion and clarity before now and the financial youtubers like yourself and the others that aren't trying to sell stocks or a course continue to enrich peoples lives as you are. Again, thank you - and considering your achievements, despite your goals, I couldn't say you've failed. At least not in my eyes, or in the eyes of many others here!

[@Jalleur14325]

I also made a giant mistake with property. Very different story to yours but my mistake came down to naivety as a first time buyer and not questioning enough. I bought a flat (never doing that again). So basically you never fully own the property you are beholden to a landlord of the building. So simple things like putting in air conditioning or similar you have to ask permission. But the worst part was that the buyers duped me and I wasn't savvy enough to pick up on it. I ended up with a very stressful situation living above a restaurant for 5 years before I finally managed to sell it. Luckily I sold at pretty much what I bought it for. Obviously a loss in terms of inflation, but since then I realised you have to be super super vigilant and think of absolutely everything when buying. As well as that try and get a decent lawyer. I didn't have a good one and that was part of the problem.

[@SLPCaires]

Trying and failing is winning when you compare to not trying at all, because you learned a LOT.

[@buddinghero]

good reflection on the year, in the tech industry we say "Fail fast and fail often" cos the sooner we fail the sooner we can understand and reflect on the failure and I totally believe failure teaches us the most lessons

[@TheSpidermint]

My failure was to not realise that my mental health was suffering at work and I should have done something about it. Instead I stayed and got frustrated and angry. Wasn't a great person to be around and I didn't recognise myself. In September I quit my job (with no new job to go to) in order to force myself to do something about it. I needed a break and a rest. I am setting up as a freelance developer in the new year and looking forward to new challenges and enjoying my work again. More importantly, addressing my work/life balance.

[@dokinsra-rn8ni]

what a honest communication this! that’s why I watch this brother from south korea

[@otima75]

What a wholesome conversation this was! Thank you for all that you do. Financial literacy is so important in life. I am 50 this year and i have made a lot of financial blunders and i am living with the consequences. My failure last year was not been able to come off universal credit. I am a single mum with 3 growing children and it has been hard but i am gradually paying off all my debts. Managed to get a 0% balance transfer to pay off a card that was 34.9% APR. I plan to clear it in 5 months. I am so happy about that! Once that is cleared, i will start putting money away for my emergency fund, then i will tackle my invest strategy. I have signed up to the free investment course. Thank you so much!

[@MrCChops]

Damian your passion for providing much needed education to the masses on financial issues is very much apparent in every video. Your channel is fantastic and pitched perfectly for average Joe’s to understand and use the information for their benefit.

[@TwinTiger]

Love it Damo, I have failed more business than I can count, builds character. From my perspective YOU are the business, people watch not becuase of the content, don't get me wrong the content is great BUT it's your personality and energy people watch for, same with ALL media.

[@rolo_061]

your channel was one of the best things that got introduced in my life. I will never consider this channel and your hard work a failure. Thank you Damo.

[@rowanmills4708]

you weren't lucky Damien, you worked hard; make high quality content that people enjoy and learn from. you are much appreciated & deserve all the success you have.

[@jezza44]

Not just for the algorithm, but also you're a good lad please please keep it up. one of my favorite youtubers. honesty always rains through. thank you, have a cracking 2025 Damo.

[@hellen2405]

Oh wow, I feel privileged to be part of the 50! I can't wait to start it. Thanks Damien

[@mikejones0967]

Quality, relevance and non biased information is what I want and it's why I keep watching your feed. Keep up the good work

[@Monst3ra-92]

My biggest failure... I am still in my biggest failure and haven't come out the other side... Yet. I have started to make moves and plans though, I'm not just sitting in my failure (like money in a current account). However, being here on your channel for the last 4 months or so has been insightful. I think I am making changes that will slowly get me to the other side. So thank you and your team, your passion definitely shines through. So here's to new beginnings, failures yet to come and riding escalators with my eyeline set to the platform or the sky, not the ground or the yo-yo. Happy new year everyone🎉, I wish you all to be safe and secure in whatever way that may be for you. 😊

[@distractiontherapy]

2023 leading into 2024 was a major opportunity for me to fail at the ultimate cost. By failure avoided should be viewed as failed overcome. October 2023 I lost my mum to a short ballte with multiple cancers she kept from us as to not upset us. I lost my step mum in November 2023 through ol age and on New Years Day I received a call that my little brother had committed suicide not being able to face a new year without his mum who cared for him. I could have failed when I returned to work only to told that my job was under threat and they finally let me go the day after his funeral. I didn't fail, I used every ounce of anger, every negative turned positive and I avoided potential failure. People like you Damien help focus people and shortcut the BS, you are not a failure, you're an inspiration.

[@nicoyoung2637]

Just keep doing what you’re doing mate.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

That's the plan!

[@Callmesi]

Regarding number of vids. Quality over quantity any day .

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Agreed and 100% the approach

[@QuarterTime25]

My biggest failure of 2024 was not achieving my goal of getting my driving license. COVID stole a year off my theory pass test, couldn't find any instructors, fast forward to this year I had months left to pass my practical. Failed twice then my theory ran out. Had to constantly do it again, would fail by 5 or 2 marks. I felt short changed I had already passed it before and had the effects off lockdowns affect my progress. Felt like I was pumping money into something I kept on failing. I've decided to take a break and try again in 2025.

[@JordanThomasRichards]

Maybe get a bicycle 😂

[@QuarterTime25]

@JordanThomasRichards 🤣🤣

[@johnnywebbo]

Did you post that without a stamp? Glad you decided to post it to one of the staff there - under Sir Jim they're having budgets slashed left, right and centre!

[@jacquelinelawrence4462]

Make a video about stock and share .How it works

[@philteale6658]

Damien, on the first podcast, have you looked in "multi-attribution" modelling? On the surface, it can appear like something has "failed", but when looking at how it contributes to the overall sales journey of a customer, things can look different. Just a thought