November 5, 2024
44 S Broadway, White Plains, New York, 10601
THE MONEY MINDER

“Is there anything else that I could do when I turn 18 or even now to make my life better in the future?”: I’m young, financially responsible, and have big dreams. How can I set myself up for success at such a young age?

“Is there anything else that I could do when I turn 18 or even now to make my life better in the future?”: I’m young, financially responsible, and have big dreams. How can I set myself up for success at such a young age?

Hi Money Minder,

Yo, I’m 17(f) about to be 18 in a month in good old Nebraska – a state that’s quite strict when it comes to age restrictions. I’m itching to start saving up to move out and be independent. Planning to open my own account and snag a credit card once I hit 18. Right now, I’m raking in 800-950 bucks a month from my part-time gig, with around 100 bucks in expenses monthly. Any other tips you’ve got up your sleeve to make life easier for me in the long run? Holler at me with some advice!

Peace out,
Future Independent Soul

Response from THE MONEY MINDER:

Hello There,

Congratulations on approaching your 18th birthday and taking steps towards financial independence! It’s great that you are planning ahead and looking into opening your own account and getting a credit card. Given your monthly income and expenses, you are in a good position to start saving and building a solid financial foundation.

One practical step you can take when you turn 18 is to set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account. This way, you can consistently save a portion of your income without thinking about it. Additionally, consider creating a budget to track your expenses and identify areas where you can potentially cut back to save more money.

Since you mentioned wanting to move out, it’s important to start researching realistic housing options and estimating the costs involved in renting or owning a place. This will give you a better idea of how much you need to save and what financial goals you should set for yourself.

Lastly, I recommend educating yourself about personal finance topics such as investing, retirement planning, and building credit. Understanding these concepts now will set you up for financial success in the long run. Remember, financial independence is a journey, so take small steps consistently and you’ll see your efforts pay off over time.

All the best from THE MONEY MINDER!

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