With my birthday just around the corner, I got to thinking about growing up and what's expected of you at a certain age. Some of these things I have done, some I have probably always felt too old to do, and some I have simply missed my window for.

We may have biological clocks when it comes to having children, but we have no expiration date on our ability to grow. If we want to evolve in our ability to love (or create, or learn to be contentedly single), the most important thing is the word "want."

Sure, young 20-somethings (YTS) don't have wrinkles and crushing responsibilities like a mortgage, kids or elderly parents living in the spare bedroom. Know what else we don't have? Jobs. Money. A home. Secure relationships.

I ask every woman I interview what three gifts they would give a 20-something to get through their twenties with more confidence in their own decisions.

My sister and I are the only two people on earth carrying around the same childhood, and it shows on our faces (and laugh lines).

I'm 30. By virtue of that fact, I should be qualified enough to tell you about how to get your finances in order during your twenties. Luckily for you...

Maybe this is just what I look like at 26. Sometimes fresh, sometimes utterly tired. Sometimes taut, sometimes slackening. In flux. Which is what we all are, always, whether we know it or not.