Do I really need a financial plan if I don't have much money yet?

Yes, and arguably it matters more when money is tight, because every dollar has a job and small early choices compound for decades. A plan when you're starting out doesn't need to be fancy: know your monthly cash flow, hold a small emergency fund, capture any 401(k) match, avoid high-interest debt, and automate a modest savings transfer. That's a real plan. Starting to invest early, even with small amounts, harnesses compounding that later contributions can never fully catch up to. A written set of priorities also keeps you from spending raises reactively. As your income and complexity grow, the plan grows with you. The financial-wellness assessment at wealthserene.com/assessments/financial-wellness is a solid, free starting point.