Savvy Saving for Young Women

With the economy currently in recession and unemployment on the rise, it is vital for young people, especially young women, to start saving early. Job security is never a guarantee, so ladies, it's a good idea to become savvy with your spending and saving early.

Whether you're still in college or fresh into a job, it's essential to put some money aside each month. Investing in a mutual fund or U.S. Savings bond is a good idea, and the sooner you start the better, so the interest can compound for more years. Consider setting up and automatic withdrawal of $50 a month or more from your paycheck or checking account into your savings.

If you're still in college, collegescholarships.org offers several good tips on how to live on a budget while saving for the future.

After graduation and newly employed means a steady paycheck, but don't let this be a reason to spend more. Check out nextstudent.com to learn how to live on a budget, happily, while saving for the future.

Beth Kobliner's newly revised and updated Get a Financial Life examines personal finances in your twenties and thirties. Kobliner also discusses ways to get out of debt, save for your first home, and how to invest wisely with little money. Check out this review by USA Today.

Whether you're young and employed or still getting an education, don't put off saving. Start today.