- Paula M
What are 9 bad financial decisions to avoid in your 20s?
Don't buy a new car. Don't pay depreciation.
Negotiate a longer term for your student loan if you can. You will pay more over time, but your earning power is low when you just graduate.
Focus on work, not consumption. Avoid "shopping" as an activity.
Learn to cook. It is enormous. It's fun serving a gourmet meal to friends. Cooking regular meals at home saves money.
Avoid going out to drink regularly. It is a habit to be avoided. I prefer to invite friends over for a beer or two. An occasional outing is good.
Number 7 opens an account with a discount broker, makes a modest monthly wire transfer, and invests or trades mutual funds and stocks.
Subscribe to Investor Business Daily for a while.
Become familiar with the real estate market in and around the city where you live. Observe the cyclical variations over the years..
Never risk "everything"; risk what you can afford to lose