With high youth unemployment and many graduates taking months to secure their first full-time role, thousands of young adults are starting work later than previous generations.Although that can feel like falling behind financially, experts say there are several steps new workers can take to build wealth from day one, once they are in employment.From general budgeting tips to checking your benefit entitlement, we asked Jon Styles, student money lead at the Money and Pensions Service, what every 18 to 25-year-old should know when starting their first role.Join your workplace pension A workplace pension is a retirement savings plan arranged by your employer where money is deducted from your wages, added by your employer, and boosted by government tax relief.It's essentially 'free money' and important to join if you have the choice. Often, though, you'll be auto-enrolled unless you opt out.Jon recommends saving into your pension as soon as possible, as the younger you are, the more time you'll have to save a tidy retirement pot. He says: 'Retirement might feel a long way off when you're starting your career, but saving into a pension early can make a big difference in the future.'One major benefit of a workplace pension is that your employer must match contributions up to 3 per cent - and many employers offer more, meaning you're getting extra money for your future.'If you're over 22 and earn over £10,000 per year, you'll be auto enrolled into your workplace pension. But if you aren't, you can ask to be added.'The earlier you start saving into your pension, the more time it has to grow, and building the savings habit early helps develop stronger financial resilience.'When you retire, you may be entitled to receive the state pension, which provides you with regular income. 'But for many, this won't be enough to live on alone, so to help your workplace pension grow further, it's also worth increasing pension contributions with pay rises if you can.' Money checklist: It can be daunting starting a first job - and getting your finances in order are a prioritySavings and emergency funds An Isa should be the next cornerstone of your personal finances – a current tax-free limit of £20,000 (reducing to £12,000 from April 2027 for under 65s) makes it an ideal home for saving and investing.Ideally, you use a cash version for your emergency pot and a stocks and shares account to build long-term wealth. Jon says: 'Saving early can make a big difference to your future.'Start by opening a savings account and setting up a standing order, so a set amount is automatically transferred every payday. 'Even saving a small amount each month builds both a positive savings habit and creates a financial safety net.'A good rule to stick by is to have three to six months of essential outgoings in an accessible savings account as an emergency fund. 'Having savings to fall back on helps to manage the unexpected when – such as car repairs or a change of income.'Some of the top Isas currently on offer come from Trading 212, Hargreaves Lansdown, Tandem Bank and RCI Bank.Use the independent This is Money best buy tables to find the top rates. Check you're on the right tax code When you start your new job, look at your first payslip or log into the HMRC app and check your tax code. The standard tax code for most people with one job is 1257L.If you think your tax code is wrong, it might be that HMRC has incorrect or missing information you need to provide which means you could pay too much or too little tax. If you paid too much, you'll receive a rebate. Too little and the money you owe will be deducted from your future salary as required. When you have provided all necessary information, HMRC will update your code and tell you and your employer the new one within 15 working days.Understand your payslip Jon says: 'You'll be given a payslip when you get paid, which is often sent via email or through your company website.'It's important to know what's on it and to make sure everything is right, so you're getting paid what you should.'Your payslip must include:Your gross pay – this is your pay before any deductions have been taken off;Your net pay – the total amount you take home after deductions;Itemised deductions – these include your tax, national insurance, pension;Contributions, such as student loan repayments.It may also include:Your tax code;National Insurance Number;Payroll number or pay rate (annual or hourly);Your tax code varies depending on your circumstances, including your income.Learn how to budget Although it may seem overwhelming to budget, it's important to do so to avoid being overstretched.That way you'll be better prepared for unexpected costs and feel more in control of your finances. Jon says: 'When budgeting, make sure to include your commuting costs; if you drive, budget for things like insurance, tax, fuel, maintenance, parking, and any car payments. 'If you take public transport, check whether season tickets, railcards, or travel passes could save you money.'Some employers offer other benefits to help with the cost of commuting, such as Cycle to Work schemes or discounts on season tickets. 'Check your employee benefits when you start to make the most of any schemes.'Claim every workplace benefit Workplace benefits include paid time off and pension along with other perks like private healthcare and flexible hours.It can also incorporate gym memberships, retail discounts and childcare, so it's important to check what's on offer. To claim a workplace benefit, locate your company internal benefits portal or HR handbook, check your eligibility, and submit any required documentation. Start building your credit history Having a good credit score is particularly important when it comes to buying a house. When you apply for credit such as a credit card, loan or mortgage, a lender tries to predict your future behaviour based on the way you've acted in the past. If you have a bad credit history, it affects your creditworthiness and makes lenders less likely to lend to you.Building a credit history from scratch usually starts with registering to vote, opening a bank account and using a beginner credit card product responsibly.If you pay for regular household expenses like phone bills or utilities, consider setting up direct debits for them. That way, you'll never miss a payment and it'll boost your score.Increase pension contributions with every pay rise Most people who have a workplace pension or a personal pension can increase their contributions when they get a pay rise. Doing this as a young person is one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth without feeling the pinch in your day-to-day budget.To set it up, contact your employer's HR, reward or payroll team, or check your workplace pensions online portal to request a change to your contribution percentage.Don't fall prey to lifestyle 'creep'Starting a new job and getting a salary is exciting but don't get ahead of yourself by immediately upgrading your car, phone or living/rent situation.Wait until you've calculated your budget before doing this. But if you are on a particularly low salary, you may be eligible to claim benefits. Jon says: 'We know that a lot of benefits go unclaimed, with the main ones being Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and Carer's Allowance, many of which you're still entitled to while working, especially if you're on low pay.'Keep learning A slightly different point but if you can, keep gaining qualifications and experience in different areas. You never know where it could take you. Ask for training when applicable and remember to build skills that increase earning potential.Ultimately, congratulations on your first job. If you are looking for free resources and guides to fully support yourself as financially as a young adult, visit MoneyHelper. It can help with building realistic budgets and understanding your payslip.