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Credit Cards - stay away from them.

Oh sure, you can handle them. But, why do people get credit cards in the first place? So that they can spend money that they don't have on hand. I've only posessed one credit card, in college. It was for emergencies only. Right.

I ended up using my credit card for books and for meals and for those little incidentals that came along. I kept up with it nicely and then, I don't remember why or how, but it all started snowballing. Now, I don't have a huge debt, not compared to my sweetheart's, but it is there. Hanging on. Like a dark cloud.

Another thing, long-distance relationships - back off, don't do it.

Unless, you are independently wealthy with a substantial source of income which you are more than happy to fritter away in long-distance phone conversations. Of course, these conversations are important. Of course, they can help keep the relationship going and up-to-date but dammed if the phone company don't take a bite. And, for the love of God, always make sure you have a calling plan.

These are a few of the things I have learned in the last year. Never float credit debt and it's cheaper to move closer to your loved one than to call them on the phone.