1. So long as my job pays well, it's OK if I hate it--The job market may not be what it used to be, but by age 30 no one should be at a job that leaves them stressed out and dissatisfied with life.

2. If I turn a blind eye, somehow my finances will figure themselves out--If you're broke, you might as well know it and own it. It's the only way you'll ever truly be able to do something about it.

3. I should get married because it's the "next step."--There are very few people who can actually afford the $27,000 the average American wedding costs these days.  Why start your lifetime union with a pile of debt that will only cause stress and arguments? If you're truly in love, chances are The One will still be around by the time you're both ready.

4. Banks and bill collectors will get their way no matter what I do--At some time, life will get in the way and you'll find yourself on the wrong side of your bank or bill collector. Stand your ground. Negotiate ways to lower credit rates, health care, cable bills, and bank fees.

5. I should buy a home because that's what grown-ups do--People who earn 10 percent less than their neighbors are 4.5 percent more likely to commit suicide. The key word here: Neighbors. Where you choose to live can have a big impact on how you see yourself, not to mention your financial well-being. Don't make the move till you're prepared.

6. If I start dipping into my savings now, I'll have plenty of time to make up for it later--If you've managed to build a 401(k) with your employer, now is not the time to start using all that hard-earned retirement cash. For starters, you'll be charged a huge fee for early withdrawal. It's like stealing from yourself in old age. When times are tight, cut your spending. You'll thank yourself later on when you see how much your savings grow.

7. I'm too inexperienced to start investing--Someone who starts investing at 25 will only have to save $4,830 annually to reach $1 million by age 65. That triples to $15,240 if you wait until your 40s.

8. I'm a failure because I'm not getting paid as much as other people my age--Spending every moment trying to "beat" your peers is a quick way to wind up alone and miserable. Do yourself a favor and focus on your own path, not stalking your friends' careers on Facebook and LinkedIn. And take heart in this fact: It's proven that the average person doesn't get any happier after they earn $75,000 per year.

9. I can still afford to eat like I'm 16--Studies show that metabolism slows 2 percent for every year after you turn 30 and weight gain can lead to a bunch of health issues later in life.  Do your finances and your belly a favor and change some of your eating habits.

10. I can still pull off the outfits I wore in college--Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. It makes sense. Leave the flip-flops at home, invest in a wardrobe that shows them you're ready for responsibility and the salary that comes with it and you're already on your way.

11. If I get approved for new credit, obviously I can handle it--No matter how big your credit limit or how fat a mortgage loan your bank offers you, that doesn't mean you have to take it. Know your limits and what you can afford. Then tell THEM how much you need.

12. I should have kids now because I want them--There is nothing more destructive to someone’s financial future than bringing children into the world without having the means to support them. It costs almost $240,000 to raise a child in the US and that's not counting college tuition once they leave the house. And it's not just your finances that will suffer. It becomes extremely hard to start a business or get the necessary experience for the type of career advancement opportunities that lead to more money.

13. I'm pretty much invincible—Health care is crucial. Find free or low-cost services, like flu shots and blood pressure checks at your local drugstore. Some areas have local clinics that are free or offer health care at reduced prices based on your financial status.