Take note of what you did to get into your financial mess in the first place. If you are trying to fix your credit and have spent considerable time doing so, let that be a beacon for you not to get in that kind of mess again. If you have been overworked and underpaid, remember that when you negotiate salary terms for your next position. Learning any personal finance lesson can make or save you money in the future. Take the lessons you have learned and apply them to your finances in the future, giving you an advantage moving forward.