The first thing you need to do is become a serious saver. You do not need expensive wheels or rims for your car. You do not need to make outrageous purchases to impress people. You need to become a serious saver. You need an emergency fund, a Roth IRA and maybe a Health Savings Account (HSA). You will not retire early unless you can make yourself save money. So get started!

If you are still living at home, you need to put aside the money you make that would be going to rent and utilities and save and invest it. We are talking $700 a month here. Many people in their thirties and forties wish they could put away $700 a month. If you cannot save $700 a month, save what do can. I do not care if all you can muster is $50 a month. Save and do not get in debt. Your income will probably go up in time.

During the summer and on your weekends you will want a job. What kind of job should you apply for? Something that gives you good experience or something that pays better than average wages or something you love or think you would love. Also, apply for internships. Do not overlook internships through your high school or college.

Make sure your major is in a field that pays excellent wages. A liberal arts degree does not get you much credibility. But a liberal arts degree will leave you making student loan payments for 10 or 20 years – money that could be going in a Roth IRA.

In your spare time learn skills. Learn computer software programs, computer programming, foreign languages, sales skills, accounting, bookkeeping, or learn to use a switchboard. The list of useful skills goes on and on. Take useful courses in school. Do not be afraid of a tough class. Do not be afraid to take the time to learn a skill. You need to learn all the skills you can to be competitive in the workforce. I should add that schmoozing is an overrated skill.

Become indispensable at your work. If your boss gives you a “to do” list, get it done and done right. You will want good references after you graduate.

If you want to make more money than the average person, you need your own business. Running your own business is harder than most jobs, but the potential for income and the experience you will gain are up there. Remember that many large companies were started in dorm rooms and in garages and spare bedrooms. It is true that 90% of businesses will fail in the first few years, but please do not let this fact deter you from being an entrepreneur.

Now, the fun part: learn about investments. Read classic investment texts. Read investment books written by and recommended by excellent investors. Stay away from fly by night gurus; stick with names like Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Frederick Kobrick, Jim Cramer, and David and Tom Gardner. Read the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ had a student discount when I was in school. Learn how to analyze and pick stocks. Learn to manage a portfolio. Create a paper or an online portfolio

During the summer and on your weekends you will want a job. What kind of job should you apply for? Something that gives you good experience or something that pays better than average wages or something you love or think you would love. Also, apply for internships. Do not overlook internships through your high school or college.

Make sure your major is in a field that pays excellent wages. A liberal arts degree does not get you much credibility. But a liberal arts degree will leave you making student loan payments for 10 or 20 years – money that could be going in a Roth IRA.

In your spare time learn skills. Learn computer software programs, computer programming, foreign languages, sales skills, accounting, bookkeeping, or learn to use a switchboard. The list of useful skills goes on and on. Take useful courses in school. Do not be afraid of a tough class. Do not be afraid to take the time to learn a skill. You need to learn all the skills you can to be competitive in the workforce. I should add that schmoozing is an overrated skill.

Become indispensable at your work. If your boss gives you a “to do” list, get it done and done right. You will want good references after you graduate.

If you want to make more money than the average person, you need your own business. Running your own business is harder than most jobs, but the potential for income and the experience you will gain are up there. Remember that many large companies were started in dorm rooms and in garages and spare bedrooms. It is true that 90% of businesses will fail in the first few years, but please do not let this fact deter you from being an entrepreneur.

Now, the fun part: learn about investments. Read classic investment texts. Read investment books written by and recommended by excellent investors. Stay away from fly by night gurus; stick with names like Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Frederick Kobrick, Jim Cramer, and David and Tom Gardner. Read the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ had a student discount when I was in school. Learn how to analyze and pick stocks. Learn to manage a portfolio. Create a paper or an online portfolio

Make sure your major is in a field that pays excellent wages. A liberal arts degree does not get you much credibility. But a liberal arts degree will leave you making student loan payments for 10 or 20 years – money that could be going in a Roth IRA.

In your spare time learn skills. Learn computer software programs, computer programming, foreign languages, sales skills, accounting, bookkeeping, or learn to use a switchboard. The list of useful skills goes on and on. Take useful courses in school. Do not be afraid of a tough class. Do not be afraid to take the time to learn a skill. You need to learn all the skills you can to be competitive in the workforce. I should add that schmoozing is an overrated skill.

Become indispensable at your work. If your boss gives you a “to do” list, get it done and done right. You will want good references after you graduate.

If you want to make more money than the average person, you need your own business. Running your own business is harder than most jobs, but the potential for income and the experience you will gain are up there. Remember that many large companies were started in dorm rooms and in garages and spare bedrooms. It is true that 90% of businesses will fail in the first few years, but please do not let this fact deter you from being an entrepreneur.

Now, the fun part: learn about investments. Read classic investment texts. Read investment books written by and recommended by excellent investors. Stay away from fly by night gurus; stick with names like Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Frederick Kobrick, Jim Cramer, and David and Tom Gardner. Read the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ had a student discount when I was in school. Learn how to analyze and pick stocks. Learn to manage a portfolio. Create a paper or an online portfolio

Become indispensable at your work. If your boss gives you a “to do” list, get it done and done right. You will want good references after you graduate.

If you want to make more money than the average person, you need your own business. Running your own business is harder than most jobs, but the potential for income and the experience you will gain are up there. Remember that many large companies were started in dorm rooms and in garages and spare bedrooms. It is true that 90% of businesses will fail in the first few years, but please do not let this fact deter you from being an entrepreneur.

Now, the fun part: learn about investments. Read classic investment texts. Read investment books written by and recommended by excellent investors. Stay away from fly by night gurus; stick with names like Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Frederick Kobrick, Jim Cramer, and David and Tom Gardner. Read the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ had a student discount when I was in school. Learn how to analyze and pick stocks. Learn to manage a portfolio. Create a paper or an online portfolio

Now, the fun part: learn about investments. Read classic investment texts. Read investment books written by and recommended by excellent investors. Stay away from fly by night gurus; stick with names like Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Frederick Kobrick, Jim Cramer, and David and Tom Gardner. Read the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ had a student discount when I was in school. Learn how to analyze and pick stocks. Learn to manage a portfolio. Create a paper or an online portfolio and track it. Participate in a stock market tournament and try out your investment ideas.

Let me leave you with one more suggestion: take care of your health. Taking care of your health will keep your insurance somewhat affordable after you retire.