Why Am I Stressing at 19?

Ok, I'm 19 and I stress about investments, and whether or not if I'm ever gonna be able to support myself when I retire, this and that. A lot of people tell me I'm too young and I shouldn't worry, and Just focus enjoying life while I'm young. But I have this constant fear in me all the time, whether or not If I'm gonna have a well paying job when I'm older, or make enough income to make a good living, buy a house. Instead of going out with friends and parties I sit home and figure out ways to save money, figuring out how much am I paying for bills, and making sure to pay my car payments on time, and payments on my credit card.... And I'm obsessed reading books by Suzie orman...lol
And I'm currently a economics major and probably go into finance. I've been told that I'm just money hungry, but I think I'm just cautious with my money and want the most out of it.
So, Should I be stressing about this at my age?

I don't think you can be too young to worrry about finance, and you're definetly headed down the right track. If I were you, I'd max out my Roth IRA contribution for 2007 (the lesser of $4000 or your earned income in 2007). Since you're presumably in a lower tax bracket, the Roth IRA makes sense.

I'm 20, and I'm like that too. I constantly read blogs, and obsess about investing and finance.

Hi, i don't think ur money hungry i am 19 and always stressing about my future, and my family i don't think is bad i think is good because it means were smart and care about our future we want to have a peaceful and good life have no struggles! and yes we also need some fun in our life's so we don't get depressed but not too much because we don't want to get in trouble either LOL! but don't worry Ur not the only ones that stresses about the future k

You are going to do well! I see a lot of me in you based on what you've described and i'm only a few years ahead of you. You ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT too young to be thinking about this and it is ridiculous for people to suggest that. Since you sound like you're somewhat educated about finance you probably understand the effects of compounding interest and what an amazing effect that will have on your savings. The IS a line though and you'll have to decide what that is. There is definitely a point at which you're overdoing it and maybe need to enjoy the moment but I see too many people all too often that have substantially diminished the quality of their own lives and relationships due to financial troubles. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

It sure is a breath fresh air to hear a young person so aware of the money matter and retirement. Good for you! But don't stress yourself out, but definitely stay aware of finance issues like retirement and just start taking action by investing NOW. Are you working at all, like part time? Well, you read Suze Orman's book, you should know all these already. I think the reason that you are stressing might be that you are not taking action yet (have you?). Yes, you still need to enjoy life, but within your means and also investing in retirement. Go party with friends ONCE IN A WHILE and not like every week. BTW, money hungry is fine, because that can be your drive to be successful in the NEAR future. I think the earlier in life that you crave to a better, the higher chance of you to be more successful than people who realized later in life. So make the best out of it, do good in school, and save up some money as well as party once in a while. Also keep up with those on time payments and keep track of where all your money is. Good luck! Start to save some money if you do work part time and put some money into a ROTH IRA account (even just $50 a month), and be more aggressive with retirement after you graduate from school with a full time professional job. Good luck to you!!!

Focus the energy you are spending on worrying into building a plan to get ahead, finish your education and you will be fine. If you stick with your plan you will be ahead of 90% of the rest of the population. Relax and enjoy!

You don't have to "stress" but its great that you're aware of the importance of early and regular saving and investment. You'll be light years ahead of your "live for today" peers if you follow through on it. Orman's books are good. "Investing For Dummies" is a great intro to investing, if you haven't read it. Keep it up.

You're doing all the rightb things. It's never too early to start thinking about your financial future. First off, get that degree. It's the best investment you could possibly make. That college degree will allow you to make $1,000,000 or more during your working lifetime than without it. And once you get that degree and find a job, keep worrying (a little). Spend less than you make after taxes and save the rest. First in a 401k if your employer offers one. They should match some of your savings which translates into instant return on your money and it reduces your taxable income. Then think about putting money in an IRA. And put the rest of your savings in a high interest earning bank account like www.ingdirect.com

And do enjoy your life. Like Suze says: People first, then money, then things

Good luck. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. I wish there were more out there like you.