Megan BakerWhile wealth is a journey that varies for everyone, there are certain habits that can significantly contribute to achieving prosperity. In this article, we’ll delve into 13 habits that can pave the way for success by the age of 30, supported by studies and insights from financial experts.
Educate Yourself
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn
Stay informed about personal finance through books, articles, and courses. With all the world’s information at your fingertips, you have no excuse not to learn how to manage your money. Reading this article is a good start!
Live Below Your Means
“Financial peace isn’t the acquisition of stuff. It’s learning to live on less than you make.” – Dave Ramsey
It might sound obvious, but you need to spend less than you earn to build savings. Keep frivolous purchases like eating out and online shopping to a minimum, and don’t fall into the trap of buying the most expensive car or house you can afford.
Set Financial Goals
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
Think about where you want to be financially in 10 years, and break that into a specific five-year goal and one-year goal. Then break those down into small, actionable steps you can work towards daily.
Make a Budget
“Budgeting is not about limiting yourself; it’s about making the most of what you have.” – Dave Ramsey
Creating and sticking to a budget is the foundation of financial success. Allocate funds for necessities, savings, and discretionary spending, and don’t make a habit of going outside of your budget.
Avoid Impulse Buying
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” – Will Rogers
Before making an impulsive purchase, take a step back and evaluate whether it aligns with your financial goals. A good rule of thumb to avoid impulse buying is to wait one week before buying something. If it’s still on your mind after that, it may be important enough to buy.
Stop Keeping Up With the Joneses
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus
It’s natural for us to compare ourselves to others, but try to avoid doing that and instead focus on your own situation. Avoid luxury purchases that don’t contribute to your long-term financial goals.
Diversify Income Streams
“Do not depend on a single income. Make investments to create a second source.” – Warren Buffett
Explore side hustles, investments, or freelance work to diversify your income. That way if one goes bust, you can stay afloat and avoid a major setback.
Upgrade Your Skills
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” – Robert Greene
Invest in learning new skills to enhance your earning potential. You may be able to turn one of them into a lucrative side hustle.
Network
“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale
Put yourself out there and meet people both in and outside your field of work. Focus on building meaningful relationships that can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
Build an Emergency Fund
“An emergency fund is a buffer between you and life’s unexpected expenses.” – Suze Orman
Set three to six months’ worth of living expenses aside for a financial safety net. You don’t want to be unprepared for an expensive crisis, like car trouble or a broken bone.
Minimize Debt
“Interest never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; it never goes to the hospital; it works on Sundays and holidays; it never takes a vacation.” – Benjamin Franklin
Avoid credit card debt at all costs and prioritize paying off high-interest debt to free up your financial resources. After your debts are paid off, you can use that extra money to invest.
Invest Early and Consistently
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Warren Buffett
Start investing early and make it a consistent habit. Even contributing a small amount of your income each month can add up over time. Use a compound interest calculator to find out how much your money could be worth in 5, 10, or 20 years.
Learn About Tax Strategies
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” – Albert Einstein
Stay informed about tax deductions and strategies to avoid giving Uncle Sam more than he’s due. It may also be worthwhile to hire a professional to prepare your taxes.
Conclusion
Achieving financial success by 30 requires a combination of strategic habits, discipline, and a commitment to learning and growth. By embracing these 13 habits, you can build a foundation for long-term financial stability and prosperity.
Remember, each step you take toward financial responsibility brings you closer to achieving your dreams and securing a brighter future.