How to Build Good Money Habits Early for Young Adults

Starting out on your own can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca Jr. sits down with Navy Federal intern Ashley Colatarci to talk about building simple money habits that actually work for young adults.Ashley shares what it’s really like managing money for the first time, from budgeting and subscriptions to social media pressure and unexpected expenses. Together, they break down how small, consistent actions (like checking your account, setting alerts, or saving just a few dollars a week) can make a big difference over time.Why Financial Confidence Matters (2:00)Social Media & Money: Perception vs. Reality (8:13)Managing Money Stress as a Young Adult (10:05)Building Money Habits That Stick (26:28)Whether you’re heading to college, starting your first job, or just trying to build better habits, this episode will help you feel more confident with your money—one small step at a time.Track Your Spending: Monthly Spending CalculatorGet a Full View of Your Money, including our Subscription Manager: Money Management Tool Set Up Account Alerts & Notifications: Manage Notifications Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information.