You don’t need a finance degree to build a solid foundation. You just need a few smart habits — and maybe a heads-up on what not to do.
Turning 27 made me look back at the money moves that have helped me feel more confident, secure, and intentional — and the lessons that humbled me along the way. These aren’t one-size-fits-all rules. They’re real, tested choices that worked for us, shared so you can take what clicks and skip a few stumbles.
If you’re in your 20s and want to get better with money (without ditching the fun parts of life), this list is for you.
✅ Moves I’m Actually Glad I Made
1. Joining Finances with My Partner Early
We combined budgets, priorities, and future plans early on. It made us stronger as a team and sped up our progress. Money talks don’t have to be weird — when you’re aligned, they’re just part of life.
2. Budgeting for the Life We Actually Live
Our budget isn’t some rigid spreadsheet fantasy. It includes Diet Coke, Tuesday date nights, weekend snacks, and the occasional movie. That’s why it works — it fits us.
3. Using Credit Cards Without Getting Burned
We use credit like it’s debit — no balances, no surprises. Everything gets paid in full, and cash back rewards get funneled straight into savings. Credit is a tool, not a trap.
4. Building Our Emergency Fund (Work in Progress)
We’re still stacking our 3–6 month cushion, but even the partial fund brings peace of mind. It’s not about living scared — it’s about being ready.
5. Letting Our Savings Actually Earn Something
We moved our money into a high-yield account (currently earning 3.65%) so it could work a little harder, even while sitting still.
6. Automating the Boring Stuff
Savings, bills, investments — we automate what we can. It cuts down on temptation and keeps things moving, even when life gets hectic.
7. Tracking Our Net Worth Monthly
Every month, we check in. Debts, savings, progress. It’s not about obsessing — it’s about being aware. That awareness builds momentum.
8. Avoiding Lifestyle Creep
Just because we earn more doesn’t mean we spend more. We focus on what adds value, not what just looks shiny.
9. Renting While We Prep to Buy
We’re not rushing into homeownership just to say we did it. Renting gives us time, flexibility, and room to save for a smart move — not just a fast one.
10. Investing Early (Even Imperfectly)
I didn’t know everything when I started — still don’t. But getting started in my early 20s gave me time to learn, adjust, and grow.
11. Making Extra Income Work for Us
Freelance writing, photography, weekend event work — side gigs give us more freedom to save, invest, and do the fun stuff without guilt. It’s not about hustling endlessly — it’s about using extra income to unlock freedom.
12. Paying Down High-Interest Debt First
We knocked out the expensive stuff first. It wasn’t glamorous, but it saved us thousands in interest and gave us room to breathe.
13. Setting Limits on Gifting
We love giving. But we set boundaries for birthdays and holidays to keep things thoughtful — not stressful.
14. Planning Travel Like a Life Goal
Travel isn’t an afterthought. We budget for it like it matters — from our Australia honeymoon to family road trips and everything in between.
15. Building Credit Intentionally
I started with a secured card, paid it off every month, and leveled up from there. Boring? Maybe. But it worked — and gave me a solid score to build on.
🤕 Mistakes, Missteps, and Money Wisdoms
16. Hype ≠ Wisdom
The buzz around apps like Robinhood is loud. But chasing trends isn’t a plan. I learned to tune out the noise and stick to what works.
17. Learn to Cook (or Love Someone Who Does)
I’m no chef — but my fiancée loves cooking. We eat well, save money, and still enjoy dining out. It’s all about balance.
18. One Good Subscription > Five Duds
We don’t stack services just to have them. One or two that hit the spot? Way better than juggling five you barely use.
19. Understanding Taxes = Power
Helping with the books at work gave me a crash course in taxes — and it clicked. Not just W-2 stuff, but the business side: deductions, brackets, the whole deal. It was a new level of clarity — and it saved us from a few expensive surprises.
20. You Don’t Need Fancy Systems to Get Started
I track my side income clearly, but I don’t have a business account yet. It’s simple, it works, and I’ll upgrade when it makes sense.
21. Know Your Worth and Say It
Whether asking for a raise or setting freelance rates, confidence (and preparation) goes a long way. You can be assertive without being a jerk.
22. Stick with What Actually Works
I’ve tried every system under the sun. What matters? Using one consistently — even if it’s not perfect.
23. Trust Your Gut
I’ve avoided bad gigs, bad deals, and bad timing by listening to my instincts. Financial common sense isn’t all numbers — sometimes it’s vibes.
24. Delaying Gratification Is a Flex
We’ve said no to big purchases — not because we had to, but because we’re playing the long game. That’s power, not sacrifice.
25. Stay Informed — Don’t Spiral
I read the news, follow the trends, and keep learning — but I don’t let it run my brain. Focus wins over frenzy.
26. Money’s Emotional, Too
Money decisions aren’t just math. They’re tied to fear, guilt, excitement, pressure. Learning how to navigate that stuff matters just as much as spreadsheets.
27. **Personal Finance Is **Personal
There’s no perfect formula. You have to figure out what works for your life, your goals, your timeline. And that’s the whole point.
🎯 Real Talk
You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be intentional. Most of the progress we’ve made didn’t come from big breakthroughs — it came from showing up consistently and thinking long-term.
Build the life you want. One good move at a time.
💬 Ready to take your next money step?
Pick one move and take action this week — then tell me what it is. I’d love to hear what you’re working on. Comment below or shoot me a message. Let’s grow together.
📎 Financial Disclosure:
I’m not a financial advisor — just a guy who’s learned a lot through experience, research, and plenty of trial and error. This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional financial advice. Always do your own research or talk to a licensed pro before making big money moves.
Dylan Lepore 