system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How can I get a jumpstart on developing stable finances? (more like ELI19)

I am a sophomore at a prominent liberal arts university. Seeing all the business and econ students around me, and being a poli sci major, I am extremely nervous about my understanding of the financial system.

It may be a little early to start looking into this, who knows. But how can a 19 year old like me with little to no understanding of loans, credit, taxes, investments etc get a jumpstart on making sold investments for modest long term returns?

I am not looking for a get rich scheme. I just want to know what I can do right now to get started on developing a sense of financial security.

Maybe many others are wondering the same thing, and I tried googling this question already with no good results.

So can somebody explain to me, without all that fancy jargon, if there is anything I can do right now to get started on securing my future financially?
gpt
1.)  Never impulse buy ANYTHING.  This goes for candy bars in the check out lane to cars and computers.  When you go to make a purchase, make sure you have thought about it and researched the product.

2.)  Pay yourself first on any paycheck.  Set aside at least $20 to $25 bucks in a savings account that is not tied to your debit card.

3.)  When you have enough (usually a $500 minimum) in that savings account, get a Certificate of Deposit using that money.  The shortest CD you can get is 6 months.

4.)  Any job you get that has a 401k or similar retirement system, get into it at the get go.  If you are required to wait something like 90 days or so before you can invest, take what would be the minimum contribution to the fund out of your paycheck every month and stick it in that savings account.  Now you won't miss the money come investment time.

5.)  Never take out loans or credit cards unless you absolutely need them.  Debt is bad if you can't pay.  Never pay more than 15% in interest on anything over 48 months.  You will pay almost double what then item costs in interest alone.

6.)  Live modestly.  You do not need the newest everything.  If you do not need unlimited minutes and data, don't get that phone plan.  You do not need a 1080p 60" t.v..  You do not need a car that you would find in a hip-hop music video or a mid-life crisis mobile.