America's Money: In their own words

Manufacturing engineer, 25, Detroit, Mich.

I'm a mechanical engineer for an automotive company and my financial situation is fantastic. I just bought a house and a full-size truck in Michigan, where I plan to stay rooted. (Gas for my truck is at least $300 a month which doesn't make me want to run out and buy a tiny car.)

I made sure the degree I got would pay a salary that met my needs and I worked hard to secure a great job. I worked through college so I only have a quarter of my school loan left to pay back. When I bought my house I understood the terms of the loan and what I could comfortably afford.

I'm waiting to get married and have children because I believe that one of the ways to be a responsible and productive adult in this great nation is to save money and have a secure financial foundation before I bring a husband and children into my life.

I made it a priority early on to have three months expenses saved just in case -- and I'm working on making that a year's expenses. All I can say is it's a rainy day and some people got caught without an umbrella.

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