A lot of problems throughout the world seem to root from money. Arguments, social gaps, political issues, and even personal issues. Growing up, it is not uncommon to hear things like “money doesn’t buy happiness” and “being rich doesn’t solve all of your problems,” but despite this common perception money does make certain aspects of life a lot easier.

I’m not saying you have to be filthy rich, in fact, that is almost impossible because unless you’re part of that one percent, the likelihood of being filthy rich is slim to none.

I am an 18, almost 19, year old college student; and I am just now realizing the importance of saving money. Throughout most of high school I held a job working several days a week to earn a bit of spending cash. However, with working so frequently and spending such little amounts at a time I soon found myself with a decent beginning balance in my savings account.

Well that was until college hit, and trust me it hits hard. No longer are your parents there to provide for you, and buy every single item you need. You begin to notice that a quick trip to Target or Wal*mart doesn’t mean spending just a few dollars, it means spending almost a week's worth of pay.

I came into college telling myself, “I want to enjoy my first year, not worry about a job”, so I did just that. The disappointing fact is that unless your parents are pumping up your pockets full of gas, that part-time job is essential to your freedom in school.

I have been working close to five days a week every week since school ended just to regain the money I need to cover all of my expenses throughout the next year of school. Unfortunately, it is a cycle just like this and too many students fall victim to it every single time they attend college. Teens are graduating with overwhelming amounts of debt that can’t be covered with the menial salaries they get. This debt grows with the interest rates and not long after entering the real world do these young adults find themselves underwater financially and unprepared to move out on their own.

Do yourself a favor and start saving while you’re young. Don’t wait until you notice the lack of money in your account to start looking for a job. I have numerous friends who did just that and, trust me, you don’t want to be in their situation right now.