1. First get a job that gives you a paycheck.
This is one thing that many people overlook.
I don't quite understand who the audience is supposed to be. Despite the financial ignorance in the United States, I feel that most people understand that it really helps to be employed with a paycheck. At least at first. Who are these "many people" that over look that?
Save at least 50% from each paycheck. Most people call BS on this. They complain that it is impossible to save 50%. Well, how were you living before you got your job?
I am surprised and pleased that a "mainstream" article is advocating a savings rate of 50%.
But . . . before I had a job? Yeah, my parents paid for things . . . and student loans then when I was in college (I had poorly paying student worker jobs to supplement). I think that young adults from middle class backgrounds who ask themselves "how was I living before I got a job?" can be setting themselves up for a standard of living trap ("At 20 I should be able to have the life that my middle-aged parents have now!").