Let me just say this first, I am in no way a financial expert and did not retain every item I learned in Finance class but I do care to share some of the tips I've acquired from my mentors and elders. 

This is all an exciting learning process for moi.  

Apparently, I'm expected to retire near 2050. Can we just take a moment. 2050? 

Apart from saving for Italy, I've started saving for something a little farther in the future: Retirement!

Say what? Yes, I opened a Roth IRA with Schwab. I feel like such an adult. Like woah. 

Did I know what that exactly meant when I opened it? Heck no. 

Were my parents proud when I called them to tell them I did that? Heck yea. 

Most people start saving for retirement once they get their first full-time job or get a 401k.

 I have neither so why not open something on my own and start early? 

I chose Schwab primarily to open a checking account for Italy (They do not charge foreign transaction fees!). 

After doing that, I began to ask about other accounts and what recommendations they had for someone young, still in school, and a person who is going to be on their own pretty soon. I was thankfully guided to opening a Roth IRA account and Brokerage account. Both allow me to 1) Start investing and 2) Save money for my retirement.  

When I retire, I plan on traveling, spoiling my grandchildren, and being one of those fabulous old ladies you see driving a luxury car at the stoplight that wear red lipstick and look amazing for their age. 

Yes, these are the things I think about. No shame. 

Kimmy's Tip: 

Start investing and saving early

If you have no idea what exactly a retirement account does or is, do your research.

Schwab has absolutely awesome customer service and answered all of my questions. They also have a learning center where you can learn about all aspects of your accounts and how to use them. 

The amazing representative I spoke to said he wished he could have opened one at my age. By the time I retire, I'll be very well off. Need I say more?

I allot 10% of my earnings towards my Roth IRA for now. Doesn't seem like much for now. 

Later, it definitely will be. 

They offer awesome tools and programs like automatic investing so you don't have to even have to manually do it and invest on track for your retirement! 

Can it get any easier? 

Once you're approved for your account, enjoy feeling like an adult.