<prompt> Human: To put it simply my parents just arent great role models when it comes to budgeting, much less saving. They live paycheck to pay check, and spend money recklessly. I know this because I have compared my parents habits to those of people who are a bit better off like the helpful advice people leave on this sub lol We dont live poorly, but definitely not comfortably. No savings, nothing for my future. Its just difficult, mainly because I dont really know what to do with the money that I rarely get, other than spend it. I know to save about 20? but I feel like I could do more. I just need advice for planning for what to do with my money before and when go to college and other expenses when I move out.I dont have a job currently, but I am planning on getting one. Also, I tried looking up money management videos on youtube, but I think that is geared more towards adults.Just any tips or helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. I can also answer questions :EDIT: Oh my lord thank you all so so so much! I did not expect this in the SLIGHTEST! I posted this whilst on a road trip I was on, now I am on my way home. I will take time tonight to read every single comment and reply to more! I will update soon! Also I am a girl lolEDIT 2: I have read every single comment, and I know this because my inbox is officially empty sorry that it took so long!! Id like to say thank you to everyone who commented and reached out to me. I am so surprised at the overwhelming support! I definitely have a complete understanding of what I should and shouldnt do. The biggest thing is see other than saving, is the the self-discipline I should acquire. There are many steps, and I shall, look at each one carefully and consciously. First things first, I am going to read! I am planning on a summer job as well, and I currently babysit regularly. Everything should flow very well, and I have tremendous hope because everyone gave me this advice! Again, thank you so so so much. You guys are absolutely amazingAssistant: Finally someone in this sub with my family background, rather than the typical My parents left me a gajillion dollars. Im 22, and make 150k a year. Is putting 75k a year aside enough?! Help! So stressed! First of all, how old are you? Whats your income? What do you know about credit and paying bills? What are your goals?Human: I dont have an income for me personally And I have no idea what credit is and I have a while until bills are in my name!!My goal is to go to collage, debt free. Ironically enough, I want to be a budget analystfinancial advisor I thinkAssistant: Credit is a tool developed by the financial services industry to try to quantify a persons risk of failing to pay money owed. A FICO score is the traditional standard tool defining your creditworthiness, and is an imperfect way of saying how likely you are to pay back money you borrowed. Thats a good wikipedia page to explore if you want to start to understand the risk side of the financial industry and lendingborrowing.Having good credit provides you more favorable interest rates, essentially making loans cheaper when you need them. Home loans and student loans are the main concern here, as most other loans are generally either the result of very complicated situations, or just a flat out bad idea. That being said, as long as you are making practical, smart choices, most of your credit will sort itself out. Having good credit isnt necessarily hard to achieve, it just takes time and responsible choices. A bad credit score is super easy to achieve - all you have to do is borrow money irresponsibly and fail to make payments.Financial independence will be the result of hard work, diligent saving, sacrificing short term goals for long term ones, and avoiding toxic debt. Simply building credit should pretty much never be the main reason for taking on debt.And yes. If you can afford to never be in debt, thats ideal. Debt is a tool that allows you to take small, calculated risks that might improve your lifestyle education, housing, transportation, etc, but its easy money for a lender that understands math, so they have incentive to load you up with as much debt as youre willing to take on. Credit is a tool. Debt is a tool. Use it wisely and it will serve you well. Disrespect it and it will bite you hard.Human: Thank you so much for this. It greatly helped. So what Im getting at is if I do end up borrowing money, and I pay it back efficiently and time wisely, I will achieve a good credit score? That is so useful thank you so much again  <response>: Yes, thats exactly right. If you want to make large financial decisions that would require loans such as buying a house, then building a good credit record early will help.Credit cards are one of the easiest ways of doing this, just be aware that the tool comparison GP made is an apt one. Think of it like a hammer. Use it properly and you can do good things, use it improperly and youll hurt yourself. Possibly badly. If you go to college or university youll likely be able to get a credit card thats aimed at students. Pick a no-fee card, then be diligent about paying it off every month on time. Never carry a balance, never think of the credit card as free money. If the card offers rewards, put any expenses on it that you can without paying extra fees. Then make sure you make your student loan payments. Do that for a couple years while youre at school and youll be off to a great start. 