Cash check: Nick Mueller, 25, Minneapolis

Last update: November 16, 2006 - 4:47 PM

Job: Communications specialist at TCF National Bank

Annual earnings: $40,000

Education: Bachelor's in journalism, University of Minnesota

Last major purchase: New laptop

Next major purchase: A house in a few years

Investments/savings plans: A 401(k) and a pension through his employer

Smart money: Opened an ING savings account online. Every time he gets paid, $50 automatically goes into the account, earning more than 4 percent interest.

Stupid money: Too many trips to the CD store

When it comes to school ... "I would like to get an advanced degree, but I don't know if the benefits would outweigh the cost."

Budgeting tips: He carries cash only and sets a weekly budget for fun, groceries, gas, etc. After the bills are paid, he saves what is left over for bigger purchases. When the cash is gone, it's gone. This helps cut down on impulse spending.

My generation ... "is undereducated about money matters."

Dream job: Music writer

I get stressed out about ... "repaying my student loans."

Advice: "When you get your first job out of college, don't immediately increase your standard of living. If you can, live like a college student for a year after you start getting that paycheck. You'll find it that much more rewarding when you finally decide to start living more comfortably."

If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? "I'd pay off my debt and the debt of my family. Then, I would buy a house in Hawaii and begin writing the great American novel."

AIMEE BLANCHETTE