5 Financial Habits To Master In Your 30s
Think you’ve nailed adulting because you make six figures and can splurge on Jacquemus Carré loafers without guilt? Cool flex, but real financial mastery isn’t about what you spend—it’s about what you keep, grow, and use to build the life you actually want.
Your 30s are prime time for building long-term financial security. A Duke University study found that 40% of our daily actions come down to habits, which means the right ones now can shape your future success.
Sure, city living is expensive, but building wealth isn’t just for trust fund kids. A few smart moves today can set you up for a solid retirement and those bucket-list goals. Good news: we’ve got five of our favorites.
This isn’t about maxing your employer 401(k) match (though I damn well hope you’re doing that already—that’s 101 stuff). Let’s talk next-level habits.
Retirement Savings in Your 30s: How Much Is Enough?
5 Financial Habits to Master In Your 30s
1. Budgeting (but not like that)
Have you ever tried to budget and partially (or fully) given up? Yeah. It’s the ultimate guilt-trip. I don’t believe in traditional budgeting which can feel restrictive. Instead, we’re big fans of reverse budgeting! Start by prioritizing your savings goals—retirement contributions, emergency fund, down payment—and automate those contributions. Then, allocate the remaining income to your needs and wants. This "pay yourself first" approach ensures you prioritize your future financial security.
2. Live a lifestyle you can actually afford
Look, we get it. You've earned that Soho House Membership and the occasional Michelin-star meal. But building wealth starts with living a lifestyle you can afford.
Resist the pressure to "keep up with the Joneses." Your 30s often bring increased income, but don't let lifestyle inflation eat it all up.
Make conscious spending choices aligned with your values and long-term goals.
Choose experiences over material possessions, and find joy in simpler pleasures. This allows you to save more, invest more, and build a secure financial future without feeling deprived. We’ve found that the easiest way to stick to this habit is by automating a reverse budget (see #1).
3. Build a plan and stick to it
Winging it is for the birds 🙃
Don't let life happen to you—design your financial future.
Financial planning for millennials is about more than just getting your financial sh*t together in your 30s. For “later” millennials, it’s about mastering the fundamentals so you set yourself up to unlock future opportunities and achieve your goals with confidence.
But it's also about aligning your money with your values. What truly matters to you? Is it financial freedom, early retirement, starting a family, or traveling the world? Define those goals with specific targets and timelines. This gives your saving and investing a purpose and helps you stay motivated when faced with spending temptations.
Millennials face unique challenges—student loan debt, a volatile job market, and the rising cost of living. But you also have unique opportunities to leverage technology and build wealth in new ways. When you create a plan and work towards it, you're increasing the odds you'll achieve your dreams.
Stop winging it. Build a plan.
4. Stay away from bad debt
This one goes hand in hand with living a lifestyle you can actually afford.
Make it a habit not to buy things you can’t afford.
If you don’t have the cash to pay for it in full, you probably can’t afford it. Sure, there are ways to leverage 0% credit cards and other low to no cost debt tools to acquire assets, but if you’re just shedding your bad debt for the first time since you’re 20s, let’s not play with 🔥
Should I Invest or Pay Off Debt First?
5. Maintain an “Oh Sh*t” Fund
This is a habit we’re borrowing from the rich because most wealthy people have one. We're talking about a dedicated stash of cash (for high earners, we like to see around three months worth of your basic living expenses), specifically designed to handle life's little (or big) curveballs.
This isn't your "fun money" or your "maybe someday" savings. It's your "I've got this" fund, your safety net, your financial peace of mind.
The Bottom line
Nobody's saying that mastering your finances is easy. And managing your money can feel like just another chore on your never-ending to-do list.
But here's the thing: taking control of your finances now means more freedom and options later. It's about building a life where you call the shots, not your credit card bill.
So ditch the "winging it" mentality and start building some solid money habits. Your future self will thank you. (And maybe even buy you a Michelin-star meal or two.)
Key Takeaways
To secure your financial future, adopt reverse budgeting and automate savings for your goals before allocating funds for spending.
Resist lifestyle inflation by making mindful spending choices that align with your values, ensuring your increased income contributes to long-term wealth.
Stop winging it and create a financial plan with specific targets and timelines to achieve your goals, whether it's financial freedom, family, or travel.
The F. Word
Ready for some real talk on how to master your money? Pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass.
Financial Planning For 30-Somethings
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