8 Mistakes That 20 Somethings Make

While people in their 20s are often busy earning a college degree or attending some type of technical school, they do not learn an important skill that just comes with experience.

8 Mistakes That 20 Somethings Make

While people in their 20s are often busy earning a college degree or attending some type of technical school, they do not learn an important skill that just comes with experience.

They do not learn how to manage to save money and avoid decisions that can prove to be costly for a later date. Here are some of the decisions the 20-something people need to consider.

1.See the World Later

Many college graduates and some who have finished high school but are going to wait a year and travel the world before beginning a career. Get the job. Earn some money. Set some aside for a future trip of two or three weeks and instead of traveling, concentrate on finishing school or getting that first real job.

2.Find a Job

This is not always easy. If you were an honor graduate in any given field, does not mean a job will be waiting for you. Therefore, be prepared to take a different type of job. Do not just sit around waiting for a phone call and living off the generosity of others. Be pro-active. Look for work.

Create a job for yourself if natural oppiortunities don't arise. 20 somethings should look for jobs on LinkedIn or Indeed as these are free resources that take little time to learn or use. If you have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, try opening your own shaved ice business, or leverage what you're talented at and sell it as a service.

3.Avoid Bad Car Loans

Avoiding bad car loans and purchasing a car are not as easy of tasks as yo'd think. Recent graduates should not be looking at the high-end luxury cars in the hope of impressing people. Purchase a car that you can afford. Check the interest rates and look at different car insurance quotes and calculate your monthly payments. If they are willing, ask your parents to co-sign the note. This can help you obtain a lower price and overall better deal.

4.Limit Your Use of Credit Cards

Credit-card companies will send college graduates many applications, and some will even give credit cards to those who have not yet found a job. One general-purpose credit card is a near-necessity in today’s society. Having a second that is only used on special occasions might be helpful. However, all credit cards are not created equal. Find out the interest rate, the purchasing limit, and the late fees. Make it a habit to pay entire balance each month.

5.Select An Affordable Place to Live

There should be no shame in living in the family home while you are searching for that first job or attempting to save some for a short time. If you move into your parents' home, agree to pay something each month toward groceries and utilities. Wash and dry your own clothes. When you rent that apartment, there will be many one-time charges. Do not use your credit card to these charges. Use cash or a check.

6.Make Sure Purchases Are Necessary

It is not necessary to have the latest and greatest cell phone. You need a phone so prospective employers can reach you. However, if you already have one that still works, use it. If a new one is needed, try to use your parent’s plan and pay your share for the additional line, and the associated charges. If your computer from college functions properly, there is no need to replace it.

7.Find The Right Health Insurance

Even if you “never get sick” does not mean you will always be healthy. Stay on your parent’s plan until you have a job that either offers a group policy or will pay enough to let you buy an individual policy. The Affordable Care Act allows parents to cover children on their policies until they reach the age of 26.

8.Save Money For Future

No matter how little you make it is never too soon to start saving your money. The more you save the earlier you can retire, possibly at 55 and not 35. Programs such as the Roth IRA, where your deposits are taxed as ordinary income can be very helpful. The accumulated earnings are not taxed. Future employers may have attractive saving plans. Use them.

Following these steps will not only help with financial security, the display of such responsibility will impress future employers.