You’re never too young to learn about money and broaden your understanding of financial freedom, security, and planning. Whether a middle-schooler or a highschooler, whether the paycheck is $30 for mowing the lawn, or $300 from working at the grocery store. We’re all taught to put the money in the bank, but what are the next steps?

Educate Yourself

For many teens and young adults, financial education is self-taught. Some states do require a type of financial literacy for graduation, but for most, classes are optional, or non-existent. The internet has a wealth of information, but truthfully, a fiduciary advisor should be sought out. Asking friends and family is a good idea, but money can be a difficult topic of conversation, and the questions need to be phrased correctly. Additionally, your family members are not financial experts. Regardless of how young you are, talking to a financial professional is the best education one can get. A fiduciary is trustworthy and gives sound financial advice, always with your best interest in mind. They can help you set up a strategy, and understand the intricacies of saving, and investing.

Set Attainable Goals

Having realistic, attainable goals is a pillar of financial strategy–and your advisor will certainly agree. If they’re too grandiose, they won’t be reached. Progress won’t ever be made if you’re not able to accomplish what you’re setting out to accomplish. But, if they’re too small, progress won’t be made either! This tip is really about analyzing your personal needs, wants and, lifestyle and creating a strategy that you’re comfortable with and works with your current situation.

Learn How To Budget

You may already have a solid grasp on the basics of budgeting. Spend less, so you can save save more. But how do you keep track? How do you handle it when you it becomes more complicated? Now, there are apps, and spreadsheets that can help organize and monitor your spending actions. Old fashioned pen and paper works as well, but the new, almost automated systems that can be downloaded to your phone, linked to your credit card, and keep you on track via email and other notifications, make budgeting simpler and easier to understand.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your financial future, and hopefully these tips will put you on the right track. Your best bet, however, is to talk to your financial advisor. They will be able to talk you through all of these tips, and many more, and give you advice on all the simple and complicated questions. A financial professional is the best resource for financial education.