A millennial’s guide to making bank in your 20s

Hustle smarter, not harder.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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So, you graduated into the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression, and you’re facing a small mountain of student debt.

Millennials weren’t dealt the best hand, financially speaking—but fear not! As Etsy proves, us 20- and 30-somethings are a pretty resourceful bunch. We’re great at turning nothing into something (and selfies).

Here’s how you can apply that same DIY spirit to your bank account.

1. Understand that time is money

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2. Embrace social media

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I know more than one television writer who landed the job of a lifetime on Twitter. But even for those of us in less creative fields, LinkedIn and even non-professional sites such as Facebook are invaluable tools for networking with like-minded people and finding career opportunities—or making the most out of a job you already have.

If there’s one thing millennials are naturally good at, it’s leveraging the power of the Internet. Why not use that skill to benefit your career?

3. Live at home

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4. Fine-tune your resume

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Treat your resume like the first photo on your online-dating profile. It should be recent, accurate, and highlight your best assets.

You never know when a great opportunity could pop up, so be sure to frequently update your resume, both online and off. More and more, recruiters and employers are relying on sites like LinkedIn to scout out new talent.

5. Benefit from your benefits

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Forget friends with benefits—what about a job with benefits?

Landing a gig with perks can translate to thousands of dollars saved on things like health insurance, and dollars gained through things like stock options. Ask potential employers about their benefits packages, and if you already have a job, make sure you’re getting the most out of yours. A prime example: I save around $500 per year by purchasing my MetroCard through my employer’s commuter benefits program.

6. Supplement income with freelance work

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7. Deal with your debt

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Having a steady income feels great—so great, in fact, that you don’t want to spoil the feeling by dealing with something as annoying as student loans. But you’ll have to get over that.

Making money in your 20s means nothing if you let your credit go down the toilet. So if you’re working hard to make it rain, don’t forget to water your debt. Your 30-year-old self will thank you.

8. Create a budget

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Being young and having money can be a recipe for disaster. When you finally have the means and independence to satisfy all your retail goals, it can be hard to stop splurging, so it’s important to keep yourself in check.

There are plenty of budgeting apps out there that are super user-friendly, or you could go old school with an Excel spreadsheet. However you choose to do it, just make it a habit to keep track of where and how you’re spending your money.

9. Celebrate your wins

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Whether it’s a promotion or the completion of a project, take time to really revel in your successes. Celebrating your accomplishments helps build confidence, and sets you up for more good things to come.

And if you think it’s appropriate, publicizing your win will let others know what you stand to offer. It’s not about bragging rights (that’s what engagement-ring photos are for)—it’s about showcasing your skills, and creating new opportunities for yourself.

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