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You’re young, ambitious, and want to get rich fast!
What are some of the things to do in your 20s to be rich?
I bet you’re asking questions like, “how to get rich in your 20s”or “how to build wealth in your 20s”?
I know, the thought of saving money and building wealth doesn’t come to mind when you’re in your 20s. But, did you know the sooner you change your mindset about money, the sooner you can become wealthy and live comfortably?
Just imagine…
The feeling of being debt-free.
The ability to fork out $1,000 when your car breaks down.
The ability to freelyspend $150 on a special dinner with your partner.
Not to mention, the guilt-free feeling of paying $2 extra for guac at your next Chipotle trip.
Overall, just imagine the feeling of freedom without having to worry about living paycheck to paycheck.
YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!
Building wealth in your 20s doesn’t mean you have to give up fun and live a boring life.
Heck, no!
You just need to know how to prioritize, save, invest, manage your money, and make money in your 20s. To truly become wealthy, you’ll first have tochange your mindset about money.
Now is even the best time to learn how you can become a millionaire by 30 (even when you have no money).
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How to get rich in your 20s
Here’s how to become rich in your 20s (or any age, really). Seriously, you’ll be surprised at the results when you put them together in action, so don’t take them lightly!
1. Live below your means.
Let’s face it.
When you’re in your 20s (or even 30s), you’re influenced by your peers and how they spend.
You also look up to influencers on social media to see what their latest fashion and trends are.
The problem is you’re always going to want more and you’ll never become rich if you keep spending more than you make.
Read how this 26-year old woman racked up $10,000 debt trying to become an Instagram star.Luckily, she managed to turn her life around!
How to save money in your 20s
If you want to become rich in your 20s, the key is to get a solid grasp on saving money and not living too extravagantly.
Let’s paint a picture: suppose you’re pocketing over $100,000 per year, but you’re splurging the same amount. Essentially, you’re living beyond your financial means.
On the other hand, there’s someone who earns $50,000 a year but only spends $30,000. This person is living comfortably within her means. Bet you can guess who’s more likely to become wealthy in their 20s? It’s not the one with the six-figure paycheck.
If you’re serious about learning about wealth creation, I recommend reading “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. I know I’ve praised this book repeatedly on my blog, but it’s genuinely one of my top picks!
It’s not just an inspirational read, it stresses the crucial concept of living within your means and serves up some cold, hard facts about who the truly rich people are in America.
If living a little less lavishly is giving you a hard time, you may need to explore opportunities to hike up your income or earn some extra money. Whether your goal is to make an extra $500 monthly or even $500 per day, the bottom line is you’ve got to amp up your earnings.
Once you find a side hustle or second job, you could kick things off by aiming to save $10,000 a year. Gradually work towards socking away your first $100,000. Trust me, once you’ve saved your first $100,000, setting aside the next $100,000 will seem much easier. That’s because now you’ll have the option to invest, letting your money grow thanks to the magic of compound interest!
2. Find free money hacks
Aside from saving money in your 20s, you can also find clever ways to get free money online and offline.
When I was still in my 20s, I discovered there are surprisingly several legit ways to get free money. You could earn cash-back through apps like Rakuten when shopping online. Online surveys or market research platforms such as Swagbucks are legitimate and pay for your time.
Beyond personal efforts, it’s important to remember that various institutions offer ‘free money’ opportunities.
For students, scholarships and grants are a big deal. Also, take advantage of the employer 401(k) match if available, that’s literally free retirement money.
For homeowners, consider energy-efficiency grants for home improvements.
And for everyone, be sure to claim tax credits and refunds – it’s money you’re entitled to. Lastly, sweepstakes and contests, though reliant on luck, can sometimes bring in unexpected windfalls! 🙂
3. Pay off your debts.
With interest rates going up, it’s a wise choice to pay off all your debts before investing. That includes your student loans as well as your credit card debt.
Debt avalanche method vs. the debt snowball method:
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I personally prefer paying off the highest interest rate debt before tackling the lower interest rate loans.
For those who don’t know, this is called the debt avalanche method. With this approach, you’ll save the most time and money.
However, some studies show that paying off the smallest debt amount first (despite the amount of interest rate) works better formost people — the debt snowball method. That’s because the latter approach creates motivation and momentum.
Personal Finance guru, Dave Ramsey says:
“The math seems to lean more toward paying the highest interest debts first, but what I have learned is that personal finance is 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior. You need some quick wins in order to stay pumped enough to get out of debt completely.”
To learn more about the snowball method and why it really works, check out Dave Ramsey’s articles,How the Debt Snowball Method Works.
In the end, there is no right or wrong way of paying off debt.
As long as you’re taking action to knock off your balance, you are well on your way to becoming rich in your 20s!
4. Avoid impulse buying.
Knowing how to be rich in your 20s requires a clear understanding of your financial habits, including the tendency towards impulse buying.
It’s essential to steer clear of spontaneous and unnecessary purchases, which can swiftly consume your budget and savings, hindering your wealth-building goals.
Often, impulse buys are emotionally-driven, not rooted in actual need. This is what I finally realized while I was still in my 20s, which is why I shared a post about the 12 stupid things I stopped buying to save more!
Over time, they can add up and throw your financial goals off track.
By adhering to a shopping list, delaying large purchases by at least 24 hours, and reducing window shopping, you’ll be better positioned to control this behavior. In the long run, mastering this discipline is a crucial aspect of learning how to be rich in your 20s.
5. Earn a higher salary.
While it may seem straightforward, earning a high salary early in your career can be challenging.
However, there are certain jobs that pay $100K per year for those just entering the workforce. The availability of such salaries typically depends on the employer, your specific skills and experiences, and importantly, your professional network.
After all, the saying “your network is your net worth” holds true, highlighting the importance of connecting with individuals who hold positions you aspire to and who share your professional goals.
6. Invest in your 20s to build equity.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the vital factors in becoming wealthy in your 20s is to start building assets and investing as early as possible.
Allow me to introduce you to a dear friend of yours: Mr. Compound Interest. He will always be there by your side, so it’s important to forge a strong bond with him as soon as you can!
If you’re skeptical about the power of compound interest, I invite you to read my post on how investing and compound interest can make you rich. I assure you that once you finish reading it, you’ll wish you had taken advantage of its potential much earlier!
In the post, you’ll discover the incredible ability of compound interest to grow your wealth effortlessly. It’s something that you won’t want to miss out on!
7. Focus on increasing your earnings in your 20s.
Earlier, I was talking about saving money and not living too large. Sure, that’s important. I also mentioned that it may be challenging to land a job that pays you $100K or more per year in your 20s, so here’s something you can work towards: focus on making more money.
There’s only so much you can save, right? But how much you can earn, now that’s limitless!
Take advantage of this and make more money in your 20s.
You could kick things off with a couple of side hustles and make an extra $500 dollars a month. There are plenty of ways to pull in some extra dough. You could try your hand at freelance writing, start a blog, or even sell things for cash.
My suggestion is to start slow, then rev it up to $100 a day and who knows? You might even end up making $1,000 a day!
You’re still young, so don’t forget, time is your best friend. Make the most of it!
UPDATE: I SO wish someone had told me about the potential of blogging for money in my early 20s! I was under the impression you had to be a wordsmith or a tech guru to run a successful blog. Boy, was I wrong!
It never crossed my mind that small blogs like this could make six figures per year. But you can totally learn how to launch a blog that brings in the cash. I’m living proof – I earned over $200,000 a year as a blogger on Pinterest, and I started from scratch!
You too can start a profitable blog for just $2.95 per month if you sign up using my guide here. That’s a whopping 60% discount! You’ll also get a domain name, absolutely free (that’s a $15 value).
I’m going to be straight with you – none of this is a cakewalk at the start.
However, I almost guarantee the earlier you start, the easier it becomes as you build your skills and capital.
Both of these resources will compound over time, so you have a major advantage when you start in your early 20s or even teens.
I say this from experience and I really regret not starting earlier!
8. Plan for retirement.
I can almost hear you…
No, you’re not too young, though you’re definitely still in your youth. But, trust me, it’s never too early to start planning for retirement!
Getting started sooner rather than later – like in your 20s and 30s – really does make things simpler. I’m not saying it’s a breeze, because it isn’t, especially at first. However, I assure you, it’ll start to feel like second nature once you get into the swing of good saving habits!
9. Automate your finances.
Setting my finances on autopilot has been a real game-changer for me, saving me heaps of time and money!
You’re juggling a lot, and there’s just no room for tedious tasks like manually paying your bills and managing your investment contributions.
Your time is valuable, and it’s much better invested in activities that yield higher returns, like personal growth and financial education. Plus, let’s face it, quality time with your loved ones is priceless!
So, what you need to do is automate your savings, bills, and investments!
Ramit’s book, ‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich,’ breaks it all down beautifully. This book gives you an easy-to-follow roadmap to streamline your finances without skimping on life’s pleasures. It’s one of my top picks and I’m sure you’ll love it too because he guides you every step of the way!
Put your finances on cruise control and focus on building wealth in your 20s.
10. Save money on food but still eat healthily.
I can’t help but get fired up when I talk about this.
You won’t believe the amount of money I’ve saved simply by bringing my own lunch! Not only that, but it’s healthier too! I can’t help but feel frustrated with myself for splurging on food from outside, especially because I’ve come to realize that even the so-called “healthy” options aren’t truly healthy at all.
Those savings, which I fondly refer to as my little money-making team, are working hard for me and steadily growing in my investment accounts. Just to give you some perspective, we’re talking about a significant amount, even before factoring in any investment returns.
Since I started working, I’ve made it a habit to pack my own lunch, and it has saved me a substantial sum each year. Buying lunches tends to be pricey, especially if they exceed $12-$15 (in today’s time, probably $15-$18 per meal), and let’s face it, most cheaper options aren’t the healthiest.
There was a time when I ended up spending a pretty penny on lunch every single day. Even the cheapest “so-called healthy” option I could find was around $10-$15, and it all added up quickly.
In the end, I’ve learned the value of bringing my own lunch both for my wallet and my well-being. It’s a small change that has made a big impact, and I can’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment and reflection when considering the money I’ve saved and the healthier choices I’ve made.
11. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The saying goes, “no health, no wealth.”
What’s the point of being financially successful if you neglect your health?
Living a truly fulfilling life extends beyond amassing wealth. If I’m being honest, when my health suffers, my overall happiness takes a hit. Usually, it’s when I’ve neglected my workout routine and healthy eating habits for at least three to four weeks. It’s a downer, really.
Even if you had all the money in the world, that wouldn’t make you feel any better. With that said, it’s important to take care of your health while building your wealth. Without it, you’re not in the state to build and manage your wealth.
To maintain my health on a regular basis, I prefer doing cardio workouts on my treadmill and some push-ups and situps throughout the day. It’s fantastic, and I find immense satisfaction in exercising at home. It’s not just about the money saved (although that’s a nice perk), but also the time saved. Plus, as someone who is 90% introverted and a bit shy in public settings, I prefer the solitude of working out alone. That’s why I tend to avoid the gym—ha!
For me personally, having a treadmill is a game-changer. It not only saves me time and money, but it also serves as a stress-reliever, keeping me motivated and focused on achieving my life goals. I simply can’t imagine my life without it!
12. Try to DIY the things you enjoy.
While you’re still young and in your 20s, take advantage of learning almost anything!
Before you purchase something, ask yourself if there is a lower-cost alternative or if you can DIY. It’s okay to hire the pros so that you can save time on complicated tasks. But, for the most part, you can seriously SAVE SO MUCH money by learning and having fun with DIY.
I’ve actually started making my own DIY shampoo at home for a healthier option. And you know what? It’s not only cheaper but better for my hair and way cleaner compared to store-bought alternatives. The shampoos you find in stores can actually damage your hair in the long run because they contain questionable ingredients and don’t usually have the right pH level.
Of course, not every DIY project will catch your interest, but you can pick and choose the ones that truly captivate you.
By DIY, I’m not suggesting you rewire your home’s electrical system or undertake any dangerous tasks best left to professionals.
Instead, think of engaging projects like refurbishing old furniture, giving yourself a professional-looking manicure and pedicure with a top-notch kit, exploring your culinary skills by cooking your own meals, adding a personal touch by painting your walls, or seeking inspiration for home decor on platforms like Pinterest.
The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction of acquiring new skills and saving money is truly rewarding!
13. Adopt a more minimalistic lifestyle.
I’ve come to a realization that embracing a minimalistic lifestyle not only helps you save money, but it also frees up valuable time by reducing the burden of constant decision-making.
Just take a look at influential figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, and Ray Dalio. Have you ever wondered why they stick to a consistent “uniform” every single day? It’s actually quite straightforward: They want to minimize the need to make choices. Too many options can lead to decision fatigue, and they’ve found a way to avoid it.
In an article, Obama said:
“I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”
And here’s what Zuckerberg said:
“I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community.”
What they say makes sense. When you’re bombarded with too many decisions such as what to wear, what to eat, where to put your stuff, etc., you’re using too much brain power and wasting time that could’ve been better spent elsewhere.
For example, that time could be better spent on a side hustle that makes money from homeor beefing up your financial knowledge to improve your financial situation.
With that said, choosing to live a more minimal lifestyle will improve your wealth and health by reducing chaos. Think about all the money you wasted on things that you don’t even use. Not to mention, I bet that clutter at home is driving you nuts!
14. Become a landlord.
This advice is specifically for those of you who are either planning to buy a house or already own one. By the way, I want to make it clear that buying a home isn’t always the better option compared to renting. So please don’t think I’m saying one is always superior.
In our own experience, we decided to buy a home, and let me tell you, renting out a separate unit has been a game-changer for our living expenses! It has made a huge difference. Plus, it has given us the chance to become landlords and gain valuable experience in the process. This is especially great for those who have plans to invest in more rental properties in the future.
As a result, during our late 20s, we actively searched for rental properties to diversify our investment portfolio. Remember, the earlier you embark on this journey, the more experience you’ll accumulate over time, setting yourself up for greater success in the long run.
15. Read a lot.
Ever heard the saying, “Rich people have massive libraries while poor people have huge TVs”? It’s a common saying for a reason, right?
It’s no surprise, then, that billionaires like Warren Buffett dedicate a whopping 80% of their day to reading. And guess what? Science backs up the benefits of this habit, including an increased likelihood of becoming wealthy!
In a Business Insider article, Bill Gates revealed that he reads 50 books per year, highlighting how it gives him a distinct advantage.
So, if you’re aiming to achieve financial success in your 20s, it’s time to pick up that reading habit! And even if you’re beyond your 20s, there’s no better time to start than now!
You may not read as extensively as Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, but at least make an effort to enhance your financial literacy through regular reading. Remember, cultivating a habit of reading and personal development can pave the way to wealth, regardless of your age.
“Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.” — Warren Buffett
16. Never stop learning.
In addition to gaining insights from bestselling authors through reading, there’s a wealth of knowledge to be acquired from other experts as well. It’s a common misconception that learning only happens within the confines of a school, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
There are countless things you can learn outside of traditional educational settings.
As I mentioned earlier, you can explore the world of DIY projects like refurbishing furniture or finding inspiration on platforms like Pinterest. Follow your interests and dive in! These activities can even make for an enjoyable and cost-effective way to spend a weekend.
Since I started investing in my personal growth, I’ve found myself saving at least 60% of my paychecks. I’ve been so preoccupied with learning new things, such as living a healthier lifestyle, doing a few furniture repairs, handling tenant issues, exploring additional income streams, diving into books, and even starting a blog that makes money!
It’s remarkable how expanding my knowledge and skills has had a positive impact on both my financial well-being and personal development.
17. Take risks.
I’ve emphasized this point numerous times, and I’ll continue doing so because I genuinely believe in it!
Many young people are afraid of taking risks, and I completely understand that feeling because I used to be in their shoes. Heck, I’m still working on overcoming my own fears, but I’m getting better at it!
It’s common for people to desire certain outcomes without putting in the necessary time and effort. They also crave high returns without being willing to take any risks. However, it’s important to grasp the fact that high returns rarely come without some level of risk.
The earlier you start, especially in your 20s, the more time you’ll have to recover from any setbacks. It’s akin to investing in growth stocks—the younger you are, the better equipped you are to handle volatility.
I reiterate this message frequently because I want to spare you the regret of not taking enough risks when you reach your 50s. This wisdom comes from my parents and their baby boomer friends. Ultimately, it’s about taking calculated risks, but please bear in mind that nothing is guaranteed. Before making any decisions, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
18. Adopt a rich mindset in your 20s.
Speaking of taking risks, studies have shown that wealthy individuals become rich because they are adept at taking calculated risks.
In Steve Siebold’s book, “How Rich People Think,” he explains that the rich become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
The ability to embrace discomfort begins with your mindset and how you think. Rich individuals view challenging situations as opportunities, whereas the majority tends to automatically see them as surefire failures or losses.
Consequently, many people either give up too soon or don’t even bother trying.
While nothing is guaranteed, if you want to increase your chances of achieving wealth, you need to start by believing in yourself. Once you cultivate a rich mindset, your actions will align with your beliefs, giving you a fighting chance at success.
Admittedly, changing the way you think is easier said than done. The hardest part lies in shifting your mindset, as most people’s perspectives are one-sided and resistant to alternative viewpoints.
Some of you reading this may disagree, and that likely indicates that you possess the mindset of the majority. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that because everyone is different, and I respect those who prioritize security and feel more comfortable with a conservative approach.
However, if you find yourself resonating with this point, chances are you possess a rich mindset, which puts you in a position to potentially achieve wealth—as long as you take action.
So, if you aspire to increase your chances of becoming wealthy in your 20s, 30s, or even your 40s, start nurturing a rich mindset today!
Steve Siebold, having spent nearly three decades studying and interviewing the wealthy, provides valuable insights into this mindset shift.
19. Do not rely on any inheritance.
If you have aspirations of becoming rich and wealthy, I urge you to do yourself a favor and shift your focus away from the idea of relying on an inheritance.
Studies consistently show that individuals who come into sudden wealth, whether through lottery winnings or windfalls, often end up losing their fortune and falling into financial hardship.
To achieve wealth, it’s essential to depend on your own capabilities and resources.
Understand that there won’t be any magical rescues or external factors that will save you. You must take charge and start building your own path to success, beginning in your 20s. The earlier you start, the greater advantage you have, as you’ll possess more energy and time to construct a foundation from the ground up.
It’s crucial to recognize that these assets, your energy and time, are incredibly valuable during your younger years. Instead of taking them for granted, seize the opportunity to capitalize on them!
20. Surround yourself with those who are better than you.
Let go of your ego and recognize that there will always be people who are smarter and more accomplished than you. Instead of wasting time and energy gossiping or feeling jealous, it’s time to start learning from them.
As Tony Robbins famously said, you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, it’s crucial to surround yourself with individuals who are better than you!
If you don’t have friends who aspire to be rich or successful (like me), start filling your mind with information and facts about wealthy people.
For example, I follow Warren Buffett because he’s incredibly inspiring. The more you read and learn about high achievers, the more you’ll be motivated to adopt their behaviors. Though I won’t become a Warren Buffet, I’ll still be able to improve my life by following his wisdom.
21. Broke today, rich tomorrow.
If you’ve read Robert Kiyosaki’s book, “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” you’ll come across his famous quote, “Broke is temporary, poor is eternal.”
If you’re currently in your 20s and find yourself short on cash, don’t worry too much because your financial situation can change for the better in the future. Just remember to adopt the habits of the wealthy.
However, let’s avoid labeling ourselves as “poor,” haha! Speaking of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” I highly recommend this book. It’s one that I truly wish I had read earlier, as I strongly believe it would have had a profound impact on my life much sooner!
22. Don’t forget to live the moment in your 20s.
I know you’re here to learn how to become rich in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or even 50s. But here’s something important you need to understand.
Being rich isn’t just about having lots of money or running a super successful business. While those things can definitely make your life better by taking away financial worries, the journey to wealth is a long one—it pretty much takes up your whole life!
That’s why it’s crucial to still enjoy the little things along the way.
Spend time with your family, explore different cultures by traveling the world, or simply hang out with friends watching your favorite sports team. It can even be as simple as sipping your favorite latte at Starbucks and just taking a moment for yourself. These experiences are the real richness in life that no amount of money can buy!
Sometimes we get so caught up in getting out of debt or building our future wealth that we forget to live in the present moment.
Remember, balance is key to living a truly rich life. So, while you’re working on becoming financially independent or achieving your wealth goals, don’t forget to enjoy other aspects of life. Have fun and savor the present moment! We’re blessed with this time, so let’s not take it for granted. 🙂
Over To You
Are you ready to be rich in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s? What are your tips for becoming rich and wealthy?
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