Don't always do what everyone else is doing

Take a look around and always be aware of your surroundings and culture. However, look out for the pitfalls of jumping on the bandwagon.

It's OK to play along with our culture, but stop and think about if those things are adding value to your life in the short or long term. (Bud Light WAZZUP commercial, or Affliction TShirts are OK, refinancing your house every 6 months to buy cars and boats is NOT OK.)

The majority of Americans live beyond their means (usually on credit) as well as do not save/plan for retirement. In this sense, DO NOT BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. There were so many people in the lead up to the last housing crash that refinanced their houses with every increase in its value. They bought vacations, cars, boats, campers, off-road vehicles, snow mobiles. When the market crashed, they realized that they "re-bought" their houses over and over again, but only at a higher price. These people ditched their houses, ruined their credit, and probably weren't able to take advantage of the next housing boom due to ruined credit.

These people took those recovery years and since they were so irresponsible with their finances, had to forgo retirement savings to basically survive. Those depreciating toys did not offer the same comfort that my retirement account and pension will bring.

Your retirement is coming...plan for it. I know retirement seems like a long time away, but here are some interesting facts:

$40000 deposited at age 20 and left alone becomes over $1 million by age 60, by itself.

I don't want to post links that will expire, but search these terms:

percentage of americans living paycheck to paycheck

american retirement savings 

Start out living under your means (search Dave Ramsey) and put 10-15% of your paycheck into some sort of savings before you pay any other bill (and strive to put a bigger percentage away!) You will have money set aside for emergencies and won't have to put them on credit. You will also have money to have fun and buy toys (FOR CASH, not credit.) You will have a retirement that is more than likely more fun than your young years.

Don't wish your life away, enjoy the ride, but plan for the future.