First paycheck feels like winning the lottery after spending years on eating only instant noodles. There is a feeling of euphoria about having so much cash available, but your future self is telling you to be responsible. Of course, you can go ahead and have fun since you deserve it, but the true celebration starts when you get that paycheck in your hands.
There are a few cardinal principles in terms of financial stability, and one of them is making sure that you are paying yourself first. Saving money cannot be done at the end of the month as you are likely to spend it all before that time. When your money reaches your bank account via direct deposit, you need to open a new account somewhere like Marcus or Ally and transfer there 10% of your salary automatically.
Moreover, if your employer offers to match your 401(k) contributions, then it means that you should definitely sign up for this plan as it is an equivalent of a guaranteed 100% return on your money; thus, refusing is not an option.
There are apps like Acorns and Qapital which collect pennies from your transactions and invest them in mutual funds. It may seem to you that you save too little, but eventually, you will be able to gather substantial money. You are not going to miss those pennies, while you are definitely going to miss that money if you will need it for something important.
It will take you only 15 minutes to organize your finances; however, you will be ensured financial peace for many years to come.