I've worked in global banking for 25 years. These are the 6 most important pieces of financial advice I tell family and friends.

Core Insights - The importance of early saving and investing is emphasized, particularly for younger generations like Generation Z, to achieve various financial goals such as home ownership, travel, weddings, or early retirement [2][3] Financial Planning - Individuals should focus on retirement savings through vehicles like 401(k) plans, even if retirement seems distant [3] - Maintaining a personal savings account with enough funds to cover living expenses for at least six months is crucial for financial security [4] Investment Readiness - Young investors often hesitate to start investing due to misconceptions about needing large sums of money; however, any amount can be beneficial when placed in money markets rather than traditional savings accounts [5][8] - Once individuals have sufficient short-term cash, they can prepare for investing by creating a separate investment account [8] Financial Advisory - Engaging with a financial advisor can help individuals create a comprehensive financial plan that addresses various life goals beyond just retirement [9][12] - Financial planning should involve categorizing savings into different "buckets" for specific goals, which can alleviate anxiety around investing [10] Financial Resources - It is advised to seek accurate financial information from traditional resources, such as bank advisors, rather than relying solely on social media influencers [11][12] Maximizing Returns - Checking and savings accounts typically offer low interest rates; alternatives like Certificates of Deposit (CDs) can provide better returns, with some offering interest rates around 4% [13][14] - Prioritizing investments and savings is recommended over aggressively paying off student loans, as having cash on hand can be more beneficial [15][16]