re: What financial advice would you give an 18-year old today?

If you look at the clock and are wondering why it's only 2:30 and can't you leave already, then you're probably in the wrong occupation.

But never forget to look after money. The old advice about doing what you love is important - but only if it pays well. If you love "working with people" and work for $25K a year as a social worker you will be bitter before long. You can satisfy just about any itch you have more profitably than you imagine.