Editor's note: Barry Courter has a 25-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 20-year-old daughter who is a junior in college.
Q: Dad, when should I start saving money for my future?
A: At birth. You should take those $2 birthday cards and put them into a savings account and never touch it. Seriously, every financial planner/expert I've ever heard or read suggests simply paying yourself something every time you get a paycheck. Even if it's just a few dollars, put something aside and forget about it. As soon as you get a job that offers some sort of retirement plan, sign up. It will pay off later.