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Overview
5 Important Money Lessons to Learn in Your 20s
Establishing certain habits can allow you to reap the rewards for decades. So, where should you start? Here are five essential money lessons to learn in your 20s:
- Start Saving a Percentage of Your Income Now
Instead of a specific dollar amount, try saving a percentage of your monthly income. If you focus on keeping a portion of your income, then your savings rate will remain in a good spot as your income increases.
This habit makes saving for significant expenses like a car, a down payment for a house, or an engagement ring easier. - Investing is a Long-Term Game
Following the latest hot investing trend may seem easy to get rich. But time in the market always beats trying to time the market. After all, if active fund managers — who have teams and the latest research at their disposal — can’t beat the average growth benchmarks over an extended period, chances are, you can’t either. So instead, focus on the power of compound interest by faithfully investing a percentage of your income each month. - Always Keep an Emergency Fund
Over 25% of American adults would be unable to pay their monthly bills if they faced a $400 financial setback, according to 2020 data from the Federal Reserve. To avoid that situation, you should build an emergency fund. Building the habit of having a cash account that you don’t touch unless it’s a true emergency goes a long way in ensuring that the wealth-building process isn’t interrupted. - Pay Off Your Credit Cards Every Month
While it may seem like fun to use your shiny new credit card to buy anything you want, many young people don’t understand the responsibility that comes with using a credit card. Not paying them off in time, or only paying the minimum, can lead to compounding debt and paying hundreds – and potentially thousands – of dollars in interest and/or fees over time. Use your credit card only for what you need and pay it off every month. - Check Your Credit Report Regularly
How often should you review your credit? We recommend every three to six months. It’s a habit you need to develop soon. The credit report is like a mirror, reflecting your debts, collection of accounts, and everything tied to you financially. The sooner you understand your financial life, the easier it will be to take corrective measures properly.
- Start Saving a Percentage of Your Income Now