Personal Finance for Young Adults: What I Wish I’d Known Then

A young woman looks thoughtful. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

As a young adult, you know it’s important to make smart financial choices and form good habits. Yet how can you establish smart financial habits if you don’t know what you don’t know?

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If you don’t know much about money, you’re not alone. A recent study by the National Financial Educators Council showed more than 50% of high schoolers failed a national financial literacy test. I connected with financial mentors and studied finance as a young adult, yet there are still important financial lessons I wish I had received earlier.

The following is a list of guidelines and important actions to help you build a foundation and get a strong start in your financial journey. This is the financial wisdom I wish I had listened to and fully understood in my 20s.

Avoid Debt and Be Strategic With Student Loans.

The best way to financial success is to not have debt!

1. Consider using cash, debit cards or prepaid debit cards instead of credit cards. While credit card rewards may be tempting, many young people find themselves paying interest that far exceeds rewards benefits.

2. If its value will go down over time, don’t finance the purchase. Save up and pay cash for cars and similar purchases.

3. Consider every way to minimize education costs rather than taking on student debt. For example, explore the following options to keep college expenses lower:

In-state versus out-of-state schools and public vs. private institutions.
College commensurate with desired degree/career. Could trade school or community
college be an option?
Live off-campus.
Explore all scholarships, grants, work/study programs.
Side-business ideas.
Tuition-reimbursement options.

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Establish a Budget, Stick to It and Pay Yourself First.

Establishing prudent spending and savings habits is vital to long-term financial success. Regardless of career choice or earning potential, anyone who masters spending less than they earn and investing the excess may build significant wealth.

My personal recommendation for some excellent online budgeting tools to help individuals track spending are Mint.com, Empower.com, YNAB.com and EveryDollar.com. All offer a user-friendly, free app, as well as multiple features for managing individual finances.

An important aspect of budgeting is a concept called “pay yourself first.” That means prioritizing saving and investing dollars for the future ahead of any other current expenses and goals. The power of compound growth over a longtime horizon is remarkable for your long-term financial wealth, especially if you start in your 20s.

Establish an emergency fund. Set aside enough money in an emergency fund to cover six months of living expenses to reserve for an emergency. Put these savings in a separate account so you aren’t tempted to use them! Save as either cash or a liquid money market fund.
Take advantage of “free money.” If your job offers matching retirement contributions up to a certain percentage, such as a 401(k), contribute at least that percentage. This is a 100% return on investment.
Save retirement funds in a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA first. Roth 401(k)s and Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement in the most tax-advantaged way (zero tax on the growth). Note that there are penalties for early withdrawal, and there are income limitations that impact high earners.

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Execute Essential Legal Documents.

Once you turn 18, parents and legal guardians have no access to or control over your financial, medical or educational information. Having a plan for the unexpected will alleviate stress and expensive repercussions during potential emergencies. The following legal documents must be drafted and executed by an attorney, so a trusted person can step in to assist in case of incapacity.

Will. This document outlines how property should be divided at your death and designates a person responsible for handling the details; without one, courts will make decisions according to state law.
Living will, aka advanced or health care directive. This document outlines preferences for treatment if you face a serious medical situation.
Medical/health care power of attorney. Often part of a living will, it designates a person to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated.
Durable financial power of attorney. This document designates a person to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable during your lifetime.

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Review Insurance Coverage.

Property and casualty insurance. It’s a good idea for young adults to consider talking with an insurance professional to decide whether to obtain their own car insurance or whether an umbrella policy is needed. Renters should purchase renter’s insurance, as it can limit the renter’s liability if someone sues due to a personal injury or damaged property.

Life insurance. In general, life insurance gets more expensive with age. Term insurance for a young, healthy person is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, it is prudent for parents to consider obtaining coverage for their child before cosigning a loan so the obligations would be covered if their child dies before the loan is paid. Finally, insurance needs should be evaluated at major life events, including a home purchase, marriage or having children.

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Establishing good financial habits early in life can create a solid path toward financial success. You can approach this list yourself or ask a financial adviser for assistance. The time to build good financial habits is now!

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Valerie Thomas is a Managing Director and the Chief Client Experience Officer of Marquette Wealth Management, a high-touch wealth management firm with integrated investment and financial planning services. An original founding member and part of the firm’s management team, she is responsible for a variety of strategic firm initiatives, with a primary focus on optimizing the client experience by customizing investment and planning strategies.