Lessons For A Sound Financial Future For Your 30s – Pandemic And All

There’s no time like the present to get your finances in order – especially with the oh-so-stark reality check that with COVID-19 – life can be so ever-unpredictable!

Because when we were toasting our champagne glasses to bring in 2020 – we had no clue that our lives and finances would be turned upside down.

With something like this – a pandemic that has changed every single part of our day-to-day lives – it’s a huge reality check that if you haven’t done it already, you need to prioritize developing solid money habits that are going to help you with your short and long-term goals.

If you’ll be reaching 30 soon or if you’re already in your 30s, here are 10 financial moves you’ll want to consider making.

Time is money as the saying goes…..

1. Pay off debt

Debt can hold you back from doing many things with your money. When it comes to high-interest debt, you also lose a ton of money by making payments that go toward interest, so it’s best to pay off that debt sooner rather than later.

Try to pay off your student loan(s) and consumer debt in your 20s so you won’t have to worry about it in your 30s. Or at least you won’t have to worry about it ‘as much’ in your 30s.

This is definitely the #1 place to start.

You can refinance your student loan(s) and try to get lower rates with Credible or Earnest.

2. Get insured

With the current pandemic, many younger consumers are thinking about life insurance, especially those who have significant others or young children.

For ‘younger’ consumers in their 30s, Bestow is one of the best term life insurance options to consider. For just a few bucks a month, you can apply for a 10- or 20-year term life policy that can help out your loved ones if something happens. Best of all, with Bestow you won’t have to deal with the medical exam that’s often required when applying for a life insurance policy, and the online application is super quick and easy.

Bypassing insurance can be a costly mistake. Even though you may not think you need it, having insurance can come in handy when an accident occurs and your family is in a financial bind. If you rent or own a home, consider renter’s or homeowner’s insurance to protect your belongings.

Get a free quote.

3. Avoid getting into credit card debt

While it’s important to pay off the debt you have in your 20s, it’s also important to make sure you don’t accumulate any more debt as a result of lifestyle inflation.

After you graduate college and find work, your income will most likely increase which can tempt you to buy more than you need. Often times, this can actually lead to spending more than you earn and getting into credit card debt.

Credit cards are a great way to build your credit when used properly. If you’re going to use a credit card, make sure you keep your total utilization below 30% of your limit at all times and pay your bill off in full each month to avoid getting into debt.

4. Create an emergency fund

Unexpected expenses will pop up more and more as you get older and busier. It’s best to prepare yourself for unexpected costs by creating an emergency fund.

How much you need to save depends on your preferences and situation, but just make sure you save an amount that you can feel comfortable with.

Prioritize your savings by setting up automatic transfers each time you get paid to increase the balance of your account.

5. Start saving for retirement

You can start saving for retirement at any time, but it’s best to start when you’re young. The younger you start saving, the more time you’ll allow compound interest to grow your nest egg so you can retire comfortably.

You can start saving for retirement by contributing to your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan – especially if they offer to match your contributions because that’s basically free money added to your account.

You can also open an individual retirement account (Roth IRA) if you don’t have access to a 401(k). Your goal should be to max your retirement account(s) out every year.

6. Adapt to living below your means

Spending every dime you make is a bad habit to get into. It can prevent you from saving up for large expenses, like a down payment on a house or traveling.

Set clear financial goals then prioritize your spending around them. You’ll find living below your means in your 20s is much easier than in your 30s, so it’s best to get ahead financially by adopting frugal habits early on.

7. Start investing outside of retirement

If you want to start experimenting with investing in stocks and bonds, there’s no better time to start than before your 30s. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to gain some experience and let your investments grow (or realize what you’ll do differently in future years).

The younger you are, the more risks you can take without too much backlash.

8. Pay for your wedding in cash

If you’re planning on getting married before you turn 30, try to pay for your wedding in cash as opposed to taking out a loan.

Couples who pay for their wedding in cash can focus on other financial goals right after their honeymoon instead of having to pay loans back.

Set a realistic budget for your big day and determine what is and isn’t important to you. You can even start side hustling to earn extra money in preparation.

9. Set long-term money goals

Long-term money goals are important – but that you already surely know at this point.

Cause long help you determine what you’re really working towards and help you set the shorter goals you need to meet in order to get to the end result. In your 20s, it’s important to figure out what you really want out of life and how you’ll be able to use money as a tool to achieve it.

Your goals can change over time, but by setting realistic goals and expectations for your future, you’ll be able to spend more mindfully year after year.

10. Be selfish with your money

Don’t forget to be selfish with your money at times (not all the time) and spend it on things that you value. Some people want to travel before they have kids while others want to hold on to their guilty pleasures whether it’s a monthly salon appointment or a gym membership.

If you value something and it makes you happy, you don’t necessarily have to cut it out of your budget as long as you can afford it.

Summary

While your 20s may be filled with lots of exploration, fun, hard work, and trial and error, that doesn’t mean you can’t start getting your finances in order….especially with watching the world get flipped with a pandemic that we never could imagine would impact us in this way.

Doing so will set you up for success, so you’re not starting from the ground up once you turn 30 or if you’ve already reached your 30s.

So don’t delay taking these steps – I’m completely sure you’ll be glad to get started getting your finances in order.

Read more

• The $1 Million 401(k): Investing Strategy For 20- And 30-Somethings
• 10 Common Money Mistakes Young People Make