The 9 smartest things to do with your money in your 20s

Your 20s come with a bunch of firsts: your first apartment, first job, and of course, your first consistent paycheck.

While it can be tempting to start spending your newly earned money in all the same places, that may not be the best option for your financial future.

We spoke to Jonathan Meaney, a certified financial planner and wealth manager at Carter Financial, about the smartest things 20-somethings who are just starting out their careers can do with their money.

Consider these important purchases and investments before hitting the town or shopping on Fifth Avenue: