Schools teach you a lot, but often not this: how money actually works. And money is one of the ways people get trapped in bad situations—when you can’t afford to leave, you’re stuck.
So learn this early. A budget is just a plan for your money: what comes in, what goes out. Debt is borrowing from your future self—credit cards can turn a $500 buy into $800. Savings is freedom—even $20 a month means one day you’ll never be trapped in a bad job or a bad relationship just because you can’t afford to go.
▸ Open a savings account. Even with $5.
▸ Never cosign a loan for someone you’re dating.
▸ Your credit score follows you. Protect it like your name.