Your 20s and 30s are the time to figure out what you want to do and build a foundation to set your future up for success. Start today with these 5 things to do to make the life you envision.
1. Live Below Your Means and Manage Debt
Consider every purchase, big or little, that you make in order to prevent overspending and creating debt. Buying things we think we need to keep up with others or to find momentary happiness will backfire when it comes to financial goals.
High interest credit card bills and student loans will also jeopardize those financial goals. Make a plan early to pay off debt and free up your finances to create a firm foundation to grow.
2. Start To Build Your Wealth
Make a financial plan for the long-term when it comes to building wealth and meeting your financial goals.
- Set up an emergency fund of $1,000. In order to avoid taking on more debt when the unexpected happens, you will need a way to cover those expenses.
- Make a budget or a plan for your money so you know exactly where every dollar goes. Not only will this help save money, but it will also give you the freedom to spend money because you know exactly how much you can spend on things.
- Plan for and invest in retirement. Plan on saving at least 10% which will compound and increase over time.
Focusing on building wealth vs becoming rich will allow you to be in control of your time as you get older and give you financial freedom.
3. Set Life Goals Based on Passions
Set goals for your life based on the things you enjoy doing. And if you find yourself not enjoying what you are doing, quit and refocus your energy and time on things you are passionate about instead. The last thing you want to do is find yourself miserable in later life because you haven’t been following your passions.
“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.”- Bob Dylan
4. Build Bridges
Be intentional about building bridges and not burning them in your personal life and in your work life. There will be times when you will cross paths with people from your past. Avoid creating negative situations with those people to start with as much as possible. This is especially true when quitting or leaving a job. Try to always leave on a positive note without burning bridges and continue to network and nurture relationships with a variety of people.
5. Pivot When Necessary
While having a plan is smart and intentional, sometimes you will have to be willing to pivot and change plans. Whether that is changing career paths or pursuing a way to increase your skill set, be willing to adapt as needed along the way.
Follow these suggestions and set yourself up for a successful and prosperous future.
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