Rich,
Kyleben has some great advise.
There is only one thing that I would like to add, if I may.
BUDGET!!!
Set up a budget that you can live within, with your known monthly income, and stick with it. Do not vary, waver or cheat. Do not rob Peter to pay Paul.
I have learned this lesson rather late in life, but not too late. I used to be a earn and spend individual, and NEVER had anything to show for it.
Do not fall into the credit card trap. If there is something that you want to purchase, and it is not in the monthly budget, put it in the budget and SAVE for it.
Have and make goals, make lists of what you want to accomplish and figure out how (even asking for advise, LOL!) to achieve these goals.
A short personal note:
Our oldest son, last year, graduated from a University in the south with a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in computers.
He paid his own way through. He worked full time in an Ice Cream Parlor. He took out only one loan and paid it back within one year. He lived away from home and even managed to save! He did it by budgeting.
Make a plan and stick with it.
Good luck and God speed,
Bob
