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20 YearsHelping You Live Richer

Reviewedby Experts

Trusted byMillions of Readers

Your 20s are filled with learning experiences.

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This coming-of-age period is a time when most people get full-time jobs and live independently for the first time.

For many, this inevitably means making aseries of financial missteps.

Knowledge is power, whether youve already made a few financial mistakes or are trying to preemptively avoid them.

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Heres a look at 14 commonmoney mistakes people make in their 20s.

However, its easy to go wild with spending without a budget in place.

Budgeting is crucial for understanding where your money goes and ensuring you live within your means.

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If so, he said not taking this crucial step is a significant oversight.

Unexpected expenses can derail financial stability, Murillo said.

Its essential to have three to six months worth of living expenses saved to cushion against unforeseen events.

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Accumulating High-Interest Debt

If youve fallen intocredit card debt, youre not alone.

Murillo said this is a common pitfall for people in their 20s.

Its important to manage credit responsibly and prioritize paying off high-interest debt.

However, this approach wont pay off.

Starting early takes advantage of compound interest, significantly enhancing retirement savings, he said.

Even small contributionsto a 401(k) or IRA can grow substantially over time.

Lack of Financial Education

A general lack of financial literacy leads topoor decision making, Murillo said.

Therefore, the more you learn, the better equipped youll be to manage your finances.

Its wise to keep lifestyle inflation in check and prioritize saving and investing.

Overlooking Health Insurance

Health insurance is expensive, but a necessity.

Opting to skip coverage to save money is a risky move, he said.

Medical emergencies can result insignificant expenses and debt, he said.

Its crucial to have adequate health coverage to protect against unexpected medical costs.

Its important to conduct thorough research and seek advice from reputable sources before investing.

Setting short-term andlong-term financial goalsprovides direction and motivation for saving and investing.

Starting to invest early, even in small amounts, can build wealth over time, he said.

Unfortunately its a terrible investment and terrible insurance for most people.

Underinvesting in Themselves

Never forget that you are your own greatest asset.

Instead of falling for these schemes, choose more traditional investments proven to provide future returns.

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