Once you reach the age of 20, many changes and experiences will change your life. No matter where you are currently in your life, remember that everything you do can impact your financial future. No one wants to live a debt-ridden life, with no home they can call their own, and not enough funds to enjoy their retirement. You may think that it is still too early to think about your senior life. But the earlier you make smart financial decisions, the more time you will have to reach your financial goals.
Life is short not to enjoy it. But the does not mean you should keep on making the wrong money choices. Now that you are in your 20s, this is a great time for you to build your solid financial future.
Building wealth can be a tricky process. But there are things you can do now in your adult years that can impact your future finances. To increase your chances of gaining financial independence, here are some things worth investing in.
Craft a Solid Financial Plan
It will be difficult to reach your financial goals and measure your progress if you don’t have a solid plan in mind. So, make sure you build a solid financial plan. As your situation changes, you will need to adjust your plan accordingly.
For instance, you plan on buying a house by the time you reach your 30s. You want to start creating a budget and save a portion of your monthly income towards a home down payment. Don’t forget about the other things worth saving money for.
This often means finding ways to reduce your monthly expenses and earn more while you are still young. You can start by rethinking your current expenses and check which areas you can adjust. Chances are, your rent is the biggest cost you are consistently paying for each month.
If you have a big living space, you have the option to rent out the other room or move to a smaller apartment. If you value your privacy, then you are better off looking for a one-bedroom apartment rental. Just make sure your monthly expenses will be reduced so you can save more each month.
Start Saving for Three Important Things
There are three things everyone should save for that can greatly help their future self. The first one is a rainy day fund. This will be your go-to funds in case you have emergency costs, such as medical bills, debts, or periods of unemployment.
The second one is for your retirement. Retirement is inevitable and only a few people are able to continuously make money after they quit working. The more retirement savings you have, the easier it will be for you to retire early and enjoy your senior years.
The third one is for your investments. This could be your new home, a car, or even your continuous education. This can also include money-making investments like commercial real estate, your own business, or cash for buying stocks.
Go for a Debt-Repayment Plan
Chances are, you already have at least one debt under your name. This can include your student loan if you used on for your studies and your credit card debt. The earlier you pay off your debts, the more peace of mind your future self will thank you for.
Letting you’re your debt grow and linger can lead to higher interest rates and an unending cycle of debt. This can also cost you your credit score which can impact your ability to get approved for future loans. So, as early as now, find ways to repay your debts so you can start living debt-free.
Stick to your budget and regularly pay off your monthly dues. Avoid using your credit card and start paying with cash or debit. Start with high-interest debts and work your way down until all debts are paid off.
Get Yourself Insured
Insurance may seem like an additional expense in your 20s. But it can save you a lot of financial headaches in the future. Note that the kind of insurance you need will depend on your situation.
For example, car owners should invest in the right car insurance while homeowners need homeowners insurance. Don’t forget about health insurance as this can be incredibly costly to get sick these days. If you are a breadwinner in your 20s, then life insurance makes sense.
Ask for different policies from different insurance providers and compare the pros and cons. It also won’t hurt to ask our loved ones for recommendations and your insurer for discounts. With the right insurance, you will have fewer worries in the future.
There are more smart financial decisions you can make in your 20s. The items listed above will help you better prepare for your future and reduce your worries in case something does not go according to your plans. With the help of this list, your chances of enjoying financial independence only increase as you hit your goals.
