1.    If buying a new car, make sure you a buy a used one.

It’s nice to finally be making some better cash in your 20s, but don’t go out and spend the extra money on buying a brand new car. Use the extra money you’d be putting towards a brand new car towards your savings; or invest it. After recently graduating from college I had to get a new car because my old one was going under. I bought a good used car. My friend who bought a new car, but the same model as mine was kicking himself when he found out he was paying an extra $200 per month while our cars looked the same. Get a good used car. Make sure to check the Kelly Blue Book to find the right price for a vehicle you are looking for.

2.    Stay true to who you are and your values as it will be a compass.

If anything, your early 20s has probably challenged your beliefs & values as you’ve either ventured off to college or into the real world. Stay true to your beliefs and values  because it is a part of who you are.

3.    Stay close with friends who care, not just friends you have a good time with on the weekends.

You will find that as your friends start to graduate from college, get married, or move to different parts of the country that you may start to losing some friendships. Invest in friends who will be there for you when you really need it. I typically find who I should in by asking this question: “If I needed ‘such and such a friend’ to fly here for an emergency would they?” By asking this question, I find the friendships I should be investing in. You may find it disqualifies those friends who you party with on the weekends.  They are lot of fun… but not always the best friends.

4.    Live the life that you want to live, not the life that others expect you to live.

It seems like a lot of us in this generation have had many people looking over our shoulders telling us which direction we should go. Use your internal compass to dictate your future. Don’t let someone else dictate it for you.

5.    Continue to pursue your dreams, even if you’re not currently living your dreams.

It can often be discouraging when you get those first ‘crap’ jobs in your early 20s. Persevere; you’ll get your dream job. You just may have to pay a few dues along the way. Enjoy the journey.

6.    Take time to give back.

This can be very rewarding. Often times, when we give, it takes the attention off of ourselves for a moment. During these times where we decide to give back, we can gain some perspective on what really matters.

7.    Step outside of your comfort zone. Be willing to learn and take on challenges you may not want to do.

It’s those times when we decide to step out of our comfort zone that real growth takes place, especially in your 20s where you have ample opportunities to take on new challenges.

8.    Be thankful for what you have.

We are so often looking the things that we don’t have, that often times we forget about the things we DO have. Take a moment to be thankful for what you do have.

9.    Seek advice from those who know. Don’t just take opinions from others who don’t have a proven track record.

Opinions are everywhere, and everyone is always quick to give theirs. But, you don’t always have to follow other peoples advice. Take advice from those who truly know what they are talking about. Those who have  walked the walk and are not just talking the talk.

10.    Start investing now.

This tip is stressed in almost every financial column you will ever read. Compound interest is amazing. So take advantage of it and start investing now. If you don’t know where to start, begin reading articles or seek help from a financial planner.

11.    Meet with a financial planner or advisor. Consultations are usually free.

In your 20s a financial planner will begin to get your finances on track. They can also get you a long-term investment plan in order.

12.    Track your expenses for a month.

Once you track your expenses for a month or two, you’ll begin to notice some buying habits you didn’t know you had. Doing so will reveal areas where you can begin to save money.

13.    Create a budget.

A budget is important for your personal finances. Build one, and stick to it!

14.    Prioritize. Learn the difference between being “busy” and being “productive.”

Far too many people will spin their wheels trying to get things done. They will feel overwhelmed, but they can’t seem to accomplish anything. If you find yourself in this situation, ask yourself this question: “am I just being busy, or am I actually getting things done?”

15.    Be persistent in your job search. Apply to at least two jobs a day.

The economy is making the job search tough for a lot of people right now. Job searching isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of being persistent. Apply daily for jobs. Don’t become discouraged. If you’re persistent your break will come.

16.    Travel.

Your 20s is a great time to take the opportunity to travel. It is in your 20s when you will have the most freedom and often times the least amount of responsibility. Use this time in your 20s to travel to places you have always wanted to go while still being aware of your budget.

17.    Volunteer.

The same reasons you can travel easier in your 20s also apply to volunteering. Flexibility is a strength in your 20s. Use it to help others. It can be some of the most rewarding work you do.

18.    Don’t be discouraged if your first job out of college isn’t your ‘dream job.’

It will come, just continue to take risks, challenge yourself, and do your best in your current job and you will get your dream job.

19.    Find a mentor.

Your career path can be a lot easier if you’re taking advice from someone who is guiding you and has been there before. Their advice, network and connections will be invaluable to you.
20.    Be willing to think outside the box.

It is when you truly begin to think outside the box that you will begin to be noticed by your colleagues, friends and employers. Be bold, be daring, be different.
21.    Ask questions: If you don’t know something… ask.

There can be somewhat of a real world learning curve in your 20s. There will be many ‘firsts.’ If you don’t know how to do something… ask. By asking, you will dodge many mishaps.
22.    Be wary of credit cards.

If you use a credit card, be sure you have one that gives you rewards or cash back for paying off your credit cards. For many people, credit cards can be the devil. Don’t carry them on you if you have a habit of using your credit card for unnecessary purchases.
23.    Pay off your credit cards.

If are having a hard time paying off your credit cards because of the interest rates, you may want to look into clever ways of paying off your credit cards. I opened up another credit card that was 0% interest for a year on balance transfers. I transferred the debt from one credit card to the new one with 0% interest and was able to pay it all off. It worked out nicely and drastically helped me to get out of credit card debt.

24.    Set up a financial plan.

What are your financial goals? What do you want to financially accomplish in the next 5 years?
25.    Save 10% of each paycheck.

This tip should be made a habit. It is easier to start this in your 20s than later on in life. Many people will say that there is no way they can save 10% because they are barely making ends meet. But you can! Make this a priority. Once you get paid, immediately, put 10% into savings. By doing this simple habit you will become more aware of your finances. You will also be surprised at how quickly your savings can grow.
26.    Invest in yourself.

Attend seminars, present at seminars, read books, take classes, learn a new skill. Do anything to invest in yourself in your 20s. The compound interest to your career and personal development will be amazing later on in life.
27.    Date with a purpose.

If you date, make sure the people you are dating people have the same goals in mind. Are you dating casually or dating with the intent to marry. Make sure whoever you are interested in has the same goals. This will save you and them a lot of pain, tension and heartache. And please, PLEASE have a set of standards for who you will date. Some people will date anyone with a pulse or even because they like the same chia pet. Qualities such as these will not make a good life long partner. Have a set of standards.
28.    Be in a relationship with a purpose.

This is similar to the previous tip. But far too many people are just in a relationship because it’s comfortable. Make sure the relationship is healthy and that you have the same goals in life, career, family, finances, children, raising children, etc.
29.    Marry wisely.

If you decide to go the marriage route, make sure you marry wisely. This will be one of the most important decisions you ever make. You will be living with your spouse for the rest of your life.

30.    Work out at least 3 times a week.

Establishing some kind of personal fitness routine is important. Discover a physical fitness activity that you enjoy and try to do it at least three times a week. I’m not saying you need to run ten miles three times a week. I’m saying you need to find out what physical activity works for you, and then do it. It’s preventive health in your 20s that you’ll be thanking yourself for later on in life.
31.    Establish healthy eating habits.

It can be good to clean up some of those nice eating habits you learned in college.  This is another preventative health measure.
32.    Set aside time for you.

Life can be hectic in your 20s. Oftentimes we get too busy and don’t take time for ourselves. Figure out a day and time of the week that will be your time. Use it as a time of relaxation and a time for gathering perspective on your life.
33.    Start a blog.

Starting a blog can be a great outlet for many people. It can also be a way to bring more opportunities to your career and personal development.
34.    Add value to others.

This is an important one. Whatever you do, whether it is in your career, relationships or volunteer opportunities try to add value to others lives.  If you make decisions with the purpose of adding value to others, it will do great things for your career and relationships.
35.    Develop your best skills.

What are you really good at that you enjoy? Figure out different ways and opportunities where you can develop that skill. It will do wonders for your career.
36.    Be aware of etiquette.

Etiquette can be involved in multiple situations, but what I have noticed is that weddings are a large part of being in your 20s. Please know proper etiquette. You may end up being a groomsmen or a bridesmaid. Remember you’re not there to get drunk. You’re purpose is to BE THERE for the bride and groom. The bride and groom are honored to have you with them on their big day, make sure you don’t bring dishonor by being selfish. If you don’t know what your responsibilities are, ask someone who does know or search around the internet.

37.    There’s no place like home.

Consider moving in with your parents in your 20s. This of course depends on your situation, but if you can handle living with your parents it can be a great way to save money.
38.    Live on your own.

Contrary to the previous tip, there is a time when you need to move out and know what it’s like to live on your own. You’ve got to spread your wings sometime. You’ll be doing yourself and your parents a disservice if you don’t.
39.    Know what you’re getting into.

Do your due diligence. There will be times in your 20s where you will signing paperwork for numerous things. Make sure you read all documents before you sign them. This could be signing loans, taking classes, buying a car, etc. Know what you’re signing before you sign it.
40.    Start saving for a home.

You’re going to want to put some money down when you buy your first house. Don’t plan on doing any risky 0% down mortgages.
41.    Set goals.

This one is very important in your 20s, as it will be a guiding point for your future. What are your six month, one year, three year, and five year goals? Make goals for your family, relationships, finances, career, and hobbies (really anything and everything). These goals don’t have to be set in stone, but they will act as a framework to keep you in check with many decisions.
42.    Know you’re not alone.

Life in your 20s can be tough sometimes. They call it a quarter life crisis for a reason. At some point, you will enter into that dreaded stage. It can be a comforting thought knowing that you’re not the only one feeling this way.
43.    Be sexually healthy.

The American Social Health Association posted an article stating that 1 in 2 sexually active persons will come into contact with an STD/STI by age 25. Yikes! It’s dangerous out there. Be sure to wear a helmet, or don’t go riding your bike at all  Jokes aside, be aware of whose bike you’re riding.

44.    Ask for feedback.

You will begin to learn many things in your career. As you make different decisions, ask for feedback from fellow employees and your boss. Make sure you learn from this feedback.
45.    Finish your degree.

College grads are expected to earn $900,000 more in their lifetime than those without degrees. Remember to pursue additional education to stay ahead of your field, whether it’s reading books at home, taking classes or being involved in additional trainings.

46.    Buy a suit.

You will need one at some point, whether it’s a job interview or a wedding. Get a suit, you will use it.
47.    Be aware of your surroundings.

Emotional intelligence is huge. Be aware of your surroundings. Your words and actions affect those around you.

48.    Be a friend.

Your friends can be closer than family sometimes. Be there for them, they will be there for you.
49.    Create an emergency fund.

This should be one of your first financial goals. When saving that 10% mentioned earlier put it towards an emergency fund. Don’t touch this fund except for, you guessed it… emergencies.
50.    Never forget where you came from.

You’ve had stepping stones to get you where you are today. Remember through the current challenges that you’ve had past victories, and you will also have victories in your future.