A relevant answer would be: How can you live an interesting life?

I will give you an unconventional answer. Before you enter the "usual work-family cycle", I would recommend you to experience unconventional areas of work/life (and hopefully find something you'd truly love to do). At 23 you probably have no dependents and will be the only time in your life where you can experiment with minimal risk.

1. Save an emergency fund (say $10K) first and do not touch this money, unless you really really really need it.

2. Allocate some money in paying off your debt (if you have any) on a monthly basis. Do not take on any more debt for at least 2 years: education/credit card/car/home etc.

3. If you have some extra money after doing the above:

- Read as much as you can. Watch a lot of documentaries/videos/ lectures/interviews/stories (on say YouTube).Do your own research and form your own opinions. Buying an e-reader may not be a bad investment. Add your local library to your list and get books loaded on your e-reader.

- Try to have a fun but frugal lifestyle. There will be enough time in your life to shop and spend.

- Try to find/expand your interests and invest in them. Travel, attend seminars/ conferences, make new friends, do some certifications, take up some courses...

- Invest in a small business (could be run by a friend or relative). Take personal interest and try to help them with sales, hiring etc. It could be an art studio or a cycle workshop or even a flower shop. It is important to know the business and economics of things around you.

This is part of my answer from How should a 23-year-old invest money?. I believe both questions are tied up. Time is money and money is time :)