Thought I’d Share What My Folks Helped Me Set Up-

1. When I turned 18, my dad added me as an authorized user to his oldest credit card with the largest limit - this added his credit history to mine (nonexistent at that point). I didn’t get the full force of his credit history, but it was a solid bump
2. They signed me up for three secured credit cards each with a $500 deposit/limit (discover (still my favorite), capital one, and citibank). All are REAL cards from REAL banks with REAL benefits and customer service! - pay these off in full every month while keeping your balance below 30%
3. Went to my folks bank (local bank) and got a 5 year loan for $500 and it is auto drafted from my account. - it's important to have different types of credit
4. Set up an Acorns account (respond with a comment and I’ll send you my promo code to start off w/ $5 free). It’s like BOA’s keep the change program. For every purchase you make it rounds up to the next dollar and you choose how the app invests it. I average about $20/month, but over 5 years (since I signed up) thats a $1300 nest egg I never even noticed leaving my bank account
5. Sign up for digit (Also ask for promo code if you want) - links to your checking account and learns how you spend money. Takes small (think $1-$5) deposits a couple times a week of money you think dont need. Not huge, but in the year I’ve been using it, I’ve saved about $400 I don’t miss from my account

I also use Mint to keep an incredibly close eye on my spending. I “pay myself” first every month. I worked hard to save up 6 months of expenses and a $1000 emergency fund. My Digit and Acorns accounts are my vacation fund. At 25 years old I have a 760 credit score and it took very little work. Mostly just small steps to get started!

Good luck! And share any tips or advice you wish you'd known at 20!