BLUF: DO NOT GET A CREDIT CARD
Some of the worst advice ever. Credit cards are an excellent tool to use in life because of their convenience. Instead of walking inside the gas station and pre-paying, you just swipe the card, instead of carrying around a wad of cash to buy groceries, you just swipe the card, etc. The problem comes when people use them as some sort of "free money" or cash advance and end up paying the minimum payment every month while their finance charges and purchases add up. The trick is to pay off your balance with each bill, and if you can't, spend less with the credit card. I have a relatively small credit limit ($300) so that restrains anything gigantic I'd be tempted to charge, but I still usually end up with a $150 bill each month from buying books and tickets online, purchasing gas, and my Netflix subscription. However my most recent paycheck always covers the balance owed so I don't have to dig into my savings to pay for things.
A little (obvious) advice for people:
1. Establish both a savings and checking account at a bank that will give you the best deal.
2. Draw up a budget for each pay period (1, 2, 4, etc. weeks).
3. Subtract that budget from each paycheck and deposit that money in the checking account (which may have a debit card or use a credit card).
4. Deposit the rest into your savings and make a rule that you won't dip into the savings except for emergencies and vacations.
That way you'll have the money to pay your bills and anything left over is actually saved. Too many people my age just cash out their paychecks and blow it. Saving money is a lifetime exercise so you can ensure you'll always have enough; it doesn't have to start at 20, 25, 30, or beyond.
