Best Step Forward is a simple idea – a site dedicated to recent graduates, young professionals, newlywed couples, solo fliers – all those people making it on their own for the first time.

Best Step Forward grew out of conversations that began long ago. About 20 years ago, when I found myself with diploma and what I hoped would be a job offer, I also realized that for the first time in my life, I was also homeless. Not to mention having no car, no insurance, a checking account I didn’t really understand, a credit card I picked up based on an insert in a textbook, and about a dozen friends all in the same situation. It occurred to us that while we all worked very hard to get ready to be out on our own, we hadn’t done a lot of preparation for whatever would come next.

When I finally picked that first apartment (not such a good choice, it turns out) and settled all my items into milk crates and decorated the walls in magazine covers, I did something I later became very grateful for. I wrote a list of all the things I wish someone had told me before I headed out on my own.

Over the years, that list has followed me from one job to another, from apartment to house, from dating to marriage, and through a whole bunch of financial institutions. I also have had a chance to discuss the list with literally hundreds of people along the way, experts in business, personal finance, lifestyle and improving yourself. I never lost sight of that original goal – making the most of that first great opportunity to make it on your own.

Today, that original list is still here, framed and hanging over my desk. While every decision my friends and I made was not the best, we certainly had the chance to learn from our mistakes, and pick up some even better ideas from some of the brightest people in their fields. And the ideas for what might be useful on the list got longer and longer. Best Step Forward brings those great ideas together, and provides a forum for members to share what they have learned, so others can benefit from that experience.

The first time on your own is exciting, memorable, inspirational and ever-so-slightly nerve wracking. It is great to have some folks around who recently made it through those challenges, and can share some good advice to make sure you take the Best Step Forward.