Usually 30-year-olds have completed most of their education and have a few years of work experience. The Census Bureau tells us about half of us marry before 30 and that most Americans (56%) have children by then. The National Association of Realtors says the median age for first-time homebuyers in the United States is 32.
1. Stop with the credit cards already! MSNMoney says that the average credit card debt among 25- to 34-year-olds was $5,200 in 2004. You should be saving in your 20s, not spending.
2. Plan for home ownership. Save for a down payment, then buy what you can afford — not what you love.
3. Have skills. "Everyone's really self-employed. If you work for a company, you just have one client," says Gregg Fisher, 35, founder of Gerstein Fisher, a New York financial-planning firm.. "If they fire you, you're out of business."
4. Give to charity. If you buy things to make yourself feel good, why not donate some money to charity instead. Won't that make you feel good?
5. Know thyself. "Having a firm grasp on your priorities and values is one critical component of a healthy financial life."
6. Know smart people. "Knowing a good tax preparer, financial adviser, attorney and insurance agent can save you untold amounts of money and stress."
Source
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...ancial-milestones-before-30.aspx#pageTopAchor
