Let’s be real: your 20s are a mix of figuring out life and trying not to spend all your money on overpriced coffee. It’s easy to think, “I’ll start saving when I make more money,” or, “I’ll worry about wealth later.” But here’s the thing: your 20s are the perfect time to lay the groundwork for financial freedom.
Building wealth doesn’t mean you need to have it all figured out. It’s about starting small and making smart moves consistently. These five habits aren’t just practical—they’re life-changing. Let’s get into it.
We’re starting strong with the hardest habit: self-control. Every time you impulse-buy something you don’t need, you’re borrowing from your future self. It’s not about depriving yourself; it’s about choosing what matters most.
That $60 dinner out? Fine if it’s planned, but not every week because you’re too lazy to cook. Those “cute but unnecessary” shoes? Put them back unless you have the cash set aside for fun spending.
Smart Hack: Create a “wishlist” for everything you want to buy. Wait a week before making the purchase—most of the time, you’ll realize you didn’t really need it.
2. Treat Saving Like a Non-Negotiable Bill
Savings should be the first thing you “pay” every time you get a paycheck. Think of it like rent—non-negotiable, non-skippable. Even if it’s just $20 a month to start, the consistency matters more than the amount.
Set up an automatic transfer so you don’t even have to think about it. Over time, that small amount grows into something real, and you’ll be amazed at how much easier it gets once you start.
3. Start Investing—Even if It’s Scary
Investing might sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the best ways to grow your money. The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow. And no, you don’t need thousands of dollars to get started. Apps like Wealthsimple or Acorns let you start with just a few bucks.
Think of it this way: Every dollar you invest now has the potential to grow into more dollars while you sleep. That’s how you make your money work for you instead of the other way around.
4. Budget for Fun (Yes, Really)
Building wealth doesn’t mean living like a monk. If you don’t budget for fun, you’ll end up overspending when you feel deprived. Set aside a specific amount each month for guilt-free spending—whether it’s for eating out, hobbies, or spontaneous adventures.
Knowing you’ve planned for fun makes it easier to stick to your savings and avoid impulse spending that throws you off track.
5. Surround Yourself with People Who Talk About Money
Your social circle matters more than you think. If you’re surrounded by people who are careless with their money or never talk about finances, you’ll pick up those habits. Start spending time with people who value saving, investing, and building a better future.
This doesn’t mean you need to ditch your friends—just find ways to include money-minded conversations in your life. Follow financial creators online, join communities that focus on personal finance, or simply start asking your friends questions like, “What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever gotten?”
Building wealth in your 20s isn’t about being perfect or having a six-figure salary. It’s about starting small, staying consistent, and building habits that support the future you want.
Pick one habit from this list to start today. The sooner you start, the easier it gets—and trust me, your future self will thank you.
You’ve got this. Go build your empire.
