I didn’t grow up with a solid understanding of money. I didn’t know how to save it, I definitely didn’t know how to invest it, and for the most part, I thought financial success just sort of happened if you worked hard enough. Looking back, I wish I had known a few things earlier. Here’s what I wish I knew about money in my 20s.
1. Saving is easier when it’s automatic
Trying to save “whatever’s left over” at the end of the month almost never works. Life gets in the way. Bills, temptations, and unexpected expenses always show up. I wish I had set up automatic transfers into a savings account from day one, even if it was just $25 per paycheck. It’s not about the amount, it’s about building the habit. Automation removes willpower from the equation and makes progress inevitable.
2. Investing isn’t just for rich people
In my 20s, investing felt like something rich or ultra-savvy people did. I assumed I needed thousands to get started. That’s not true. With just $50 or $100 a month, anyone can start building wealth. Compound growth doesn’t care if you’re new or nervous, it rewards those who show up early and stay invested. I wish I had realized that sooner.
3. Debt will slow you down more than you think
I used to tell myself that credit cards were fine if I paid the minimums and car payments were just a part of adult life. But debt is a drag on your future. It limits your options, eats your income, and forces you to make decisions based on survival instead of strategy. If I had focused on paying off debt faster, I’d have bought myself more freedom and flexibility earlier in life.
4. Budgeting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about paying attention
For years, I avoided budgeting because I thought it was restrictive or too complicated. But budgeting isn’t about tracking every penny. It’s about being aware of where your money goes. If I had simply looked at my spending regularly, I would have seen the leaks sooner. Awareness alone can change your financial trajectory.
5. Building wealth is about time, not timing
I wasted years waiting for “the right time” to invest, save, or start a side hustle. I thought I needed the perfect plan or ideal market conditions. The truth is, there’s no perfect time, just time itself. Starting early and staying consistent beats trying to time everything perfectly. Progress comes from showing up, not waiting.
6. Your income matters more than your latte
Cutting back on coffee won’t change your life, but increasing your income might. I spent too long focusing only on cutting expenses instead of thinking bigger. I wish I had pursued better jobs, side gigs, or skill-building sooner. Budgeting is important, but growing your income creates real breathing room.
7. Money confidence comes from action, not knowledge
I used to think I needed to understand everything before I made a move. I thought I should read all the books, watch all the videos, research every account. But money confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from doing. Open the account. Make the first transfer. Start the Roth IRA. Even small action builds momentum, and that’s where the confidence grows.
Final thoughts
You can’t go back, but you can share what you’ve learned. This site exists because I’m still learning, still adjusting, and still building. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s it’s not too late to make better moves. Your wealth is a work in progress, the same as mine.