Things to Know at 25

The second thing we need to know by 25:

2. Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt

Part of being a healthy, mature adult is learning to live within your means all the time, even if that means going without things you think you need, or doing work you don’t love for a while to be responsible financially. The ability to adjust your spending according to your income is a skill that will serve you your whole life.

There will be times when you have more money than you need. In those seasons, tithe as always, save like crazy, and then let yourself buy fancy shampoo or an iPad or whatever it is you really get a kick out of. When the money’s not rolling in, buy your shampoo from the grocery store and eat eggs instead of steak—a much cheaper way to get protein. If you can get the hang of living within your means all the time—always tithing, never going into debt—you’ll be ahead of the game when life surprises you with bad financial news.

Unfortunately, being in school is not exactly conducive to saving money and budgeting kind of goes out the window.  I consider my student loans to be "smart debt," because it is going to pay off eventually...right....? I try to be careful with my credit card and good about paying my bills, too.  But, it isn't always easy.  My dad has spent the last 25 years teaching me how to be "smart" with my money--I will be putting this into practice as soon as I have money to be "smart" with.