We often realize it too late in life that monetary decisions in our 20s strongly impact the financial situation we create for ourselves in the years to come.
The concept is simple: The earlier we start developing healthy financial habits, the quicker we can benefit from it later on.
Investing in profitable ventures when we are just in our early to mid-20s is hardly a priority. These are the transformed habits we need to cultivate in the next generation. How can we do that? Let's walk through specific valuable hacks that can make an individual a master in managing finances in the early years of life.
Assess Your Income and Create a Budget
When we score a job for the first time, probably in our mid-20s, we are prone to overspending. This distracts us from focusing on any savings, although, given that there are few responsibilities to manage at that age, we could save a lot had it been an excellent budgeting technique. Little habits like utilizing buy now pay later offers to shop smartly can be a life changer!
Deciding when and how to spend money will give you the power to choose where your money goes, and you can plan out how to relax knowing that the priority expenditures are well accounted for. Need some help in creating a budget? Here is how it goes!
- Try with an 80/20 budget or 50/30/20 budget strategy. The first is a broad categorization that suggests you spend 20% of your income on savings and spend the rest. For those more financially “aware,” the second strategy works better: It is a guideline for allocating 50% to the needs, 30% to the wants, and 20% to your financial goals.
- There are also many budgeting apps you can download for free and use to keep track of your spending and savings.
Visualize a Plan for Financial Future
Form a road map that takes you through all major financial milestones, such as saving up to a particular amount, setting aside money to pay for university, creating funds for kids in the future, and saving for retirement.
Some milestones are more crucial than others, and some take quite a long time. Nonetheless, having a visual plan would help dictate you to the right path when you feel overwhelmed.
Your financial goals will also determine the extra sources of income that you need to consider.
Avoid Impulse Shopping At All Costs
I face the issue of spending on impulse whenever I can earn well through a side hustle. Later on, I regret that the funds could have topped up my savings if I had been mindful enough about what I needed and didn't.
It would help to become a savvy shopper, especially in your 20s, since you will likely impulse buy at this age.
However, remember that avoiding impulse shopping does not mean you shouldn't buy anything you want and focus on purchasing needs only. Instead, you should be able to classify wants without exhausting savings too much. Here's a handy suggestion: whenever you have to make a bug purchase, give yourself 24 hours to decide whether you need it.
Keep Irregular Expenses in Perspective
Some unexpected expenditures are hard to say no to. What if you have to go for holiday shopping or spend on home repairs?
It is a good idea to work on emergency funds to deal with financial surprises of this sort. Could you take time to identify these costs and plan for them to help you build more net worth and secure a solid financial future?
Naturally, certain expenses will come monthly or a couple of times a year. Instead of draining your savings every time you have to deal with them, setting aside some money each month to cover them is more fruitful. By the time they come around, you will have saved enough to pay the significant expenses.
Check If Your Company Offers Employee Benefits
You will be shocked to learn how many businesses have employee benefits and are willing to go above and beyond to offer financial perks to their workers. If you still need to check, could you ask someone in the HR department about employee benefits, tax benefits, or compensation packages?
Moreover, some companies may pay health insurance and health savings funds with pre-tax money. Retirement savings plans also often include employer-matching contributions. These are just some ways to earn free cash and considerably boost your savings!
Build Credit Score To Qualify For Better Loans
Did you know that a credit score is one of the most powerful tools you can have? A high score means you can apply for loans with lower interest rates. You may need a loan to buy a house or cater to emergency expenditures, so scoring when on terms that are easier to live by is a relief.
On the flip side, if you don't have a credit score or an impoverished credit history, you can start working on improvements immediately by opening a secured credit card or credit-builder loan. Here are a few tips that can help you raise your score effortlessly:
- Always spend within your means.
- Keep the focus on revolving debt.
- Pay due bills on time.
- Resort to automatic bill payments if you need to remember.
Credit building takes time. The three major credit bureaus check your spending habits and regularly incorporate scores. Slowly but steadily, you will see improvement in the credit report.
Take-home Message
I know what you must think: “That sounds like a lot of work!”
Establishing good financial habits can seem like quite a drill as you start. However, remember the financial freedom you will enjoy due to all the hard work. That motivation alone should be enough to get you going.
The “now” seems stressful, but the “later” looks fantastic. Best of Luck!
