At this age, hopefully, you have made the step into financial separation from your parents, gone ahead to your first professional job and perhaps started your own family.

By doing some research or working with a financial planner, you can chart your financial path. Talk to your planner about where you want to invest. A good suggestion is to start saving 10 percent now until you retire.

Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing the latest high-tech products and services. Before your buy, ask yourself do you really need this cell phone, computer, Palm Pilot or iPod. Learn the difference between a want and a need.

Taxes, dues, and other items can take a big bite out of that pay check. Not to mention credit card debit, college loan repayments, rent and car payments. If only your net income was as big as your gross. By living paycheck to paycheck, it is difficult to think of your future, let a lone your retirement. But now is the time to look and save towards your financial goals.

You will see your little nest egg increase in size if you follow a plan. These suggestions are good training for the rest of your life. Take the steps to become financially liberated.