I seriously wish I could go back and kick my younger butt into shape when it came to finances! Saving money should be a key focus when you’re younger and just getting used to having a salary. Have the money automatically put into a separate savings, so you don’t even notice it. Whenever you get a raise, increase your savings percentage. Once you get a job where you fill out a W-9, start a IRA account. Students have special rules to help them save for future education and retirement. Also, take a look at credit union CD offerings- there is an opportunity for more interest with these types of accounts.
Once you get a job that offers a 401k, particularly one that matches, put in the full amount that gets matched! 1-6% really doesn’t make THAT much of a difference in your paycheck, and the money adds up quickly! Then every year when you get a raise, put a portion of it into your 401k. Since it’s a raise, you’ll never miss the money that way. For example, my company typically gives a 3% raise every year. My 401k is set to automatically increase 1% the second paycheck in January, so I don’t have to even think about it. Then I get the other 2%. It’s worked well for me.