conversation: User (Potato_Dan): "I just turned 18 a few days ago. I am in India. I want to keep myself financially sound and not make any stupid "teenage decisions" that will ruin it. I would really appreciate some advice on how to maintain finances, where and how to invest, what skills to learn, etc. Thank you in advance."
  Self: "-learn how to cook. takeout is a killer and not healthy either\n\n\n-don't don't DON'T buy an expensive car, but also the cheapest shit car will probably not last you. Make sure you get it serviced at the recommended intervals and if possible learn to do some stuff yourself.\n\n\n-don't pick up smoking and keep drinking to a special occasion thing\n\n\n-Don't get loans if you can help it\n\n-Share accomodation to keep housing costs down, but try not to get in with people who will be a bad influence\n\n\n-work on an emergency fund so that you don't waste money if something unexpected occurs\n\n\n-Try and get something into your retirement savings starting early. A little bit each week or month now will add up to way more than if you wait until you have "enough" to start. Seriously  I wish someone had explained how compound interest worked to me 10 years ago...\n\nalso one that might be a little controversial: when the time comes that it is relevant to you - pick your partner well. Two incomes goes so much further than one, and a strong relationship can make life so much easier, but supporting a freeloader will set you back so, so much. You don't have to be with someone who can do everything and bring in a 6 figure salary, but they should be on your team and not be working against you. Look at their actions not their words - can they manage their own money and time and emotions, or do they expect you to do everything? Is it mostly smooth sailing (of course nothing is 100%) or is it crises after crises? I have seen too many friends stagnate because they got themselves into a toxic relationship that went on far too long.\n\n\n\nEdit: I thought I was in r/frugal but this is r/personalfinance. It's a bit off topic but I'll leave it up"
  kjk25 (kjk25): "to be fair, takeout or its equivalent - streetfood - in big cities of india is a whole different ballgame than westerners are used to. It's not breaking bank and it's good quality. My suggestion to OP is browse this subreddit and what advice is applicable to your situation."
  