I spent my 20s living a dream life abroad, but returned to the US in debt. There's a lot I wish I'd done differently.

• When I was 23 years old, I moved from the United States to Budapest to live my dream life. • I lived in Hungary for seven years and enjoyed traveling, but I didn't always consider my finances. • I wish I'd researched more, gotten a travel-friendly credit card, and kept track of small expenses.

Living abroad had always been a dream of mine, so at 23 years old, I moved to Budapest with just a few thousand dollars saved up.

I only intended to stay for 12 months, but that plan changed: I spent seven years living the expat life in Hungary and traveling through Europe.

When I returned to the United States earlier this year, I was absolutely rich in experiences, but financially unstable. Though I don't regret my time abroad, hindsight is 20/20.

There are a few things I wish I'd done dif