Nursing is a great career for FI. Unlike many other careers I hear about, it doesn't seem like so much of a grind (I still get a lot of fulfillment out of my job after 10+ years) because the work is meaningful outside of the money.
And from an FI efficiency perspective it's great:
I can work an extra shift or can take on a second job at 6-20 hrs/months to boost savings rate. Part time work is available (and sometimes for a better hourly rate). I don't worry too much about reentering the workforce - there will always be demand for licensed RNs/NPs. Hospitals will pay for more education.
Savings goal by 28: $20,000 in savings, $18,000 in retirement, $49,500 to your Roth IRA by the time you are 30. Start the 401k right now. If you are not AT LEAST putting in the 4% you are throwing away free money. (Most suggest investing at least 15% for retirement.)
Rule of thumb is 15% of your salary should go to 401k. This is a reasonable starting point and you can go up or down from this depending on your situation. At your age with no debt and few responsibilities I would put it in as much as possible. 50 year old you will thank 21 year old you. If you have other goals you could do less but don't go below 10%.
Khan Academy has good classes on personal finances
Always have at $5,000 for your emergency fund
Have your own accounts that only you have access to. Even if you are married or in a long term relationship. Don't give anyone access. If you get married, get a prenup that says his debts are his (or her's). A prenup gets around community property laws. Become financially literate. Understand about interest rates, mortgages, stocks, etc. It seems boring and difficult, but you will be much better off when you are older. Start investing now for the long term, even if it's $50 in Bitcoin or $100 in stocks. Max out your company's 401K. I can't fucking stress this enough. People who are shitty with money in their 20's rarely become responsible. You can't drag anyone up in life. So if you have an 800 credit score, your bills are paid on time, and you try to save, you will never have a good relationship with someone financially irresponsible. You know what is the greatest predictor of someone paying a loan? It isn't a good source of income, it's not a million dollars in the bank, but whether that person has always paid their debts in the past. And yes, that includes friends who borrow $20 from you.
