25 August, 2016
Stefanie O'Connell graduated from New York University with a degree in drama and a big debt. With few job opportunities, she became cautious about her finances, that has led her onto a completely different career path, as a financial expert.
Through her wealth management blog, she has discovered that a lot of millennials are just like her.
"They're wary of spending beyond their means, They're wary of tools like credit cards," she explained. "They're wary of taking any kind of risk, even if it is a smart risk, like investing."
What O'Connell sees among her blog readers is supported by Federal Reserve data, which indicates the percentage of Americans under 35 who hold credit card debt has fallen to its lowest level since 1989.
Credit cards are an integral part of the U.S. financial system. Without one, it becomes harder for young people to purchase many goods and services, from a cellphone to an apartment.
"It's critically important for a young person to build credit, to build strong credit,” Levin said. “It doesn't mean that you over credit yourself, but it means that you are wise about your credit, you are a responsible payer, and you don't get yourself in over your head."
Apps like Level Money, also known as the financial GPS, can help young people build credit while living within their means.
The apps serve as an online adviser, helping they make better spending decisions and not go deeper into debt.
From writer Faiza Elmasry, I'm Faith Lapidus, VOANEWS.