I was 28 years old when I landed my dream video producer job at CNBC. After all, I'd spent most of my adult life focused on the future. So I quit my job at 32, bought a one-way ticket to Peru, and spent a year and a half — and $34,000 — exploring 18 countries across South America and Asia. I spent a lot of my life savings, delaying other goalsThe $34,000 I spent on my sabbatical was a significant portion of my life savings. Siem Reap, Cambodia Helen ZhaoI wish I'd continued investing throughout my travels, putting $200 each month into a large-cap index fund.

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Persons: I'd, Helen Zhao, I'm, Roth, Cambodia Helen Zhao Organizations: CNBC, UCLA, Roth IRA Locations: Peru, South America, Asia, Rio De Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brazil, Rio, Bogotá, Colombia, Los Angeles, Siem Reap, Cambodia