Fortunately for me I had a mentor that assisted me in establishing my credit, investing, and using sound financial principles.  I also purchased <a href="http://www.imustknowsomething.com">this course</a> which taught me the foundations of prosperity.

Honestly, I feel like your healthcare solution is not up to snuff.  An HMO is way to expensive for the average 18 to 25 year old.  Why should we blow money on unneeded healthcare.  If I were under 40 and I didn't have kids, I would have a High Deductible Health Plan!  Why?  For around 40- 80 bucks a month, you get catastrophic coverage, so if you break your leg in that snowboarding crash, and are stuck in a hospital for three days not mobile, you're covered.  Small office visits, immunizations, etc, can be handled with some upfront thinking as well.  I currently have an Health Savings Account (HSA) that I put in 50 dollars a pay period to cover those one offs.  I've had it for a year or two now, and am really starting to see a balance grow in there.  I can buy glasses, contact solution, tylenol, etc, pre tax!  There are not a lot of HSA Providers out there, but I signed up for mine at First Horizon (http://www.firsthorizonhsa.com)....

Great advice for getting started on your financial future when you're young.  Most people within this age bracket don't even bother to plan on the future.  Why?  I think it is because of the lack of financial planning education within the public school system.  If we worked a bit more in this arena, showing how truly beneficial this knowledge is, we would have a group of young people thinking long term.  Perhaps this will happen in time...

Overall, I think this is great advice. However, I would argue against budgeting online, at least for now. The security measures necessary to protect financial information simply aren't in place at any of these sites. All of that information is simply a ticking time bomb -- it's a very attractive target for identity thieves.

GOOD ARTICLE.  I'LL MAKE SURE MY CHILDREN READ IT.