Money, Debt & Your Early 20s: What I Wish I Knew

If money feels confusing or overwhelming in your early twenties, you’re not broken — you’re early.In this episode of Flashback Files, I’m opening up about my own early experiences with money and debt: the first credit card, the too-small paycheck, the bills I wasn’t prepared for, and the shame that came with it.I’m not a financial advisor. I’m sharing the real, emotional side of money — the part no one explained to me until I learned the hard way.We’ll talk about:• Why debt isn’t a failure — it’s structural• Spending money before it even hits your account• Filling income gaps with credit to “look okay”• The emotional weight of ignoring statements• A simple framework that would’ve helped me at 20• Why shame keeps young adults stuck in the money loopYour early twenties aren’t about being perfect with money.They’re about learning how money works before the numbers get bigger.If this episode brings you clarity or takes some pressure off your shoulders, share it with someone who’s quietly stressed about money too.