The biggest mistakes people tend to make in their 20s are often related to their career. Many young adults don't take the time to figure out what they want to do and instead jump from one job to the next. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and regret. Another mistake is not saving for the future. Without a plan for retirement or a financial cushion, young adults can find themselves in a precarious situation later in life. Lastly, many people in their 20s don't take the time to build meaningful relationships and focus too much on their career. This can lead to feeling isolated and lonely.

Many young people also neglect to establish a healthy lifestyle routine in their 20s. When older folks warn you that "it gets a lot harder when you're older," they're not exaggerating. Developing good habits while you're young is essential because breaking bad habits later in life can be incredibly challenging.

Neglecting to wear sunscreen is a huge mistake that many people don't realize until it's too late. Seriously, make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. Just one sunburn can triple your risk of developing melanoma later in life. I've worked alongside older individuals in various outdoor professions who now suffer from skin cancer and regret not using sunscreen consistently. Heed Baz Luhrmann's advice and wear sunscreen. If you're concerned about certain chemicals found in sunscreens, there are alternative options available. For example, Korean sunscreens are smooth like lotion, non-sticky, and free of some of the harsher chemicals found in American sunscreens. Make applying sunscreen a daily habit, and you'll thank yourself later in life.

For several of my high school friends, experimenting with heroin after trying prescription pills was a devastating mistake. Six of them have died, while the others are either still battling addiction or have severely damaged their lives. I remember when they started dabbling in heroin after getting bored with marijuana. Out of all my friends who struggled with addiction, only one managed to turn their life around.

Some common mistakes people make in their 20s include taking loved ones and their health for granted, overspending (it's essential to start saving now, but if you're passionate about traveling, do it while you're young and healthy – just make sure to do it frugally and safely), being too afraid to take risks, and not reflecting on what genuinely matters in life (think about short-term gratification vs. long-term satisfaction and what experiences or achievements you'd prioritize if your life expectancy were suddenly shortened).

Many young adults have a propensity for purchasing vehicles that are beyond their means, not fully understanding the financial implications of owning a high-end car. They often fail to take into account the steep insurance rates that typically accompany luxury vehicles. I've witnessed this phenomenon firsthand, as several of my friends in their late teens and early 20s made this mistake.

Many young people have a tendency to rely on their potential, leading them to procrastinate rather than actively pursue their goals. They might enjoy being known as the smart kid at school or university, but eventually, they find themselves nearing 30, watching younger celebrities achieve great things, and wondering where to even begin.

If you truly desire something, it's crucial to start working towards it while you're still young and full of enthusiasm.

One common financial pitfall young people often encounter is maxing out credit cards. This typically occurs because they've seen their parents open credit cards at major retail stores without fully comprehending the implications of such actions. Since most teenagers lack a strong foundation in financial skills upon graduating high school, they end up opening credit cards and using them irresponsibly, just as their parents did.

A common misconception among young people is that they have ample time to save for retirement. However, it's crucial to start saving as early as possible, ideally when you land a higher-paying job. By allocating a percentage of your pay increase to savings from the start, you'll hardly notice the difference in your disposable income. Start saving from the beginning of your higher paying job.

It's crucial to prioritize self-care, as the habits we establish now will continue to impact us for years to come. I'm 27, and it's just hitting me how true this is, so I've been working to turn things around. That means cutting back on drinking, eating more salads, and reducing my carb intake, among other things.
Additionally, avoid squandering money on frivolous purchases. Whenever you're tempted to buy something questionable, ask yourself, "Will I regret owning this in two years?"