Kylie Ludwig
Financial Management
and Entrepreneurship
Radio Program:
Money Management Tips for Youth/Young Adults
With many costs rising, older teens and young adults who learn and practice money management and saving strategies now rather than later in life may be better able to meet their future financial needs. The following financial management tips for young adults can help them be successful at saving and managing money in the future.
• Make a list of current financial commitments, including basic health, car and renters’ insurance, and other expenses, which may range from school expenses to rent, food, clothing, car payments and insurance, medical expenses, etc.
• Prioritize financial needs. Housing, loan payments, and health insurance are needs that should rank high on the list of priorities. Entertainment, electronic gadgets and eating out fall into a ‘wants’ category.
• Set financial goals to cover payments and obligations, and look for ways to cut basic costs, such as sharing rent and car rides.
• Shop for a lower interest rate to refinance a car loan or trade for a more economical car to eliminate the loan.
• Put the credit cards away. Using a credit card to cover an emergency expense that cannot be covered by cash available or an emergency fund adds expense interest and other fees can add up quickly.
• Keep receipts; verify receipts with debit, checking or other account status regularly. Reviewing receipts each week also can be helpful in tracking unnecessary spending.
• Shop with a ‘needs’ list, and stick to the list to minimize the impulse purchases.
• Using software programs to track spending also can be helpful. Check the security of the site and take time to read the privacy rules before either uploading personal data or downloading financial management tools.
One additional tip is to be wise when taking student loans. Many students are overwhelmed with both college and credit card loans upon graduation. Plan to only borrow the minimum that you will need. If possible, try to cover food and other living expenses with part-time work.
Money Management Tips
for Youth and Young Adults