"Look after your future as early as you can to give yourself the best chance."
A lot of what we learn about money comes from the conversations happening around us, especially when we're young. But it can be a liiiittle awkward to casually ask someone about their student loan debt and expenses. So I did all the asking for you! I recently asked the millennial members of the BuzzFeed Community what money mistakes they hope Gen Z'ers avoid.
Here's the advice they had to give:
1. Don't try to live a lifestyle that you can't realistically afford; live within your means.
2. And on a similar note, stop trying to "keep up with the Joneses" because you have no idea what someone else's financial advantages may be.
3. Don't think that it's "too early" to start saving for retirement.
4. Treating yourself too much in your teens and twenties can cost you money that could benefit you down the line.
5. Not doing adequate research when making purchases can lead to wasteful spending.
6. Student loans can feel like this abyss of terror and confusion, but don't accept one without educating yourself on the type of loan you're taking out.
7. Don't accept the entire loan amount offered to you for college unless you REALLY need to.
8. Don't pile on the credit card debt just because it's "normal" and "everyone has it."
9. Stop putting off that budget you've been telling yourself you'll create next week (and the week after, and the week after).
10. Don't feel like you have to buy the popular name-brand products at the grocery store — often the generic brand versions are just as good.
11. Don’t totally write off the idea of attending a state college or a local school.
12. If you can, avoid quitting one job until you have an offer from another one.
13. Try not to take out a spur-of-the-moment loan — if you can help it.
14. When it comes to relationships, don't sweep the money talk under the rug.
15. As exciting as it may feel to treat yourself to a few splurges, avoid frivolously spending extra money you make from job bonuses.
16. Don't be too quick to move out of your parents' home, if you can help it.
17. Don't brush off any 401(k) benefits from your employer.
18. Try to avoid defaulting on your student loans by making payments as consistently as you can.
19. Avoid the seemingly never-ending cycle of credit-card debt by trying not to accrue interest charges.
20. Don't be afraid of being honest with your friends and family when it comes to money.
21. Forego the use of rideshare apps whenever possible, and just use public transportation if you can.
22. Lastly, don't feel like you need to turn into a money-management expert overnight.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.