6 Surprisingly Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20's (2024)

6 Surprisingly Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20’s: It is often said that the mistakes you make in your early days come back revolving around you in the future. We all have been a spectator of how lifestyle standards have been raised to a whole another level.

Statistics say that we tend to indulge in reckless shopping mostly in our 20’s. Keeping up with the standards of style quotient might be one of the reasons for adults to not pay attention to their savings. It is a matter of time when you get to realize how roughly life can strike you with its lows.

We don’t mean to scare you in the first place but in this article, we have managed to gather some of the most common financial mistakes that people do in their 20’s that can end up making them financially vulnerable in the near future. You can pay attention to them to know money mistakes to avoid in your 20’s. So, let’s get started.

Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20’s

1. Pursuing a degree you don’t want to on a student loan

You have to admit that in your teen years, you find it very hard to decide what you want to pursue and make your career in. In countries like India, we get influenced by the aspirations of our parents and society that eventually end up getting us admitted to colleges for a degree that doesn’t even ring a bell to us. Most people choose to pay their college fees through loans that they have to repay at a considerable interest rate which can be really burdensome sometimes.

2. Getting influenced by big fat Indian wedding

Accept it or not, it is just one day party in which you blow your entire life savings just by being fascinated by that glittery and sugar-coated wedding idea and plan. This is one of the major money mistakes to avoid in your 20’s. The wedding industry is one of the biggest industries in the country with an annual turnover of billions. Now, you need to understand that there are other important things in your life which you can spend wisely on. Have a good wedding but don’t put your entire financial savings at stake.

3. Not being in a habit to save

Trust us; it is very easy to save a part of your income. With this habit, you would be able to make your future much better. Spending your entire income on things and services could ensure you a luxurious lifestyle for now but at the same time, it is also putting you in a risky position in the future.

Life is really unpredictable and uncertain and you never know what you are going to need in the future. Moreover, if you will look for a switch of job in the future, you will definitely need some cash in hand to keep your stomach full for a couple of days until you get a hold of your new job.

4. Not keeping an emergency fund

Most people choose to spend their money on shares and the stock market without even knowing a bit about it. Instead, you should maintain and put enough money in your emergency fund that will back you up in the odd times that might act as a hurdle in your life in the future.

You must put enough money in the fund for medical expenses and at least 6 months of unemployment. There are various ways and schemes provided by different insurance companies to ensure such funds for you. Sadly, most people in their 20’s fail to keep an emergency fund for themselves.

5. Not saving for your retirement

The age group of the 20’s is also known as the carefree zone. As the name suggests, most people are unaware and seem careless about their retirement plans. Of course, they must find the time of their retirement far enough to be out of scope but it is actually not. The 20’s is the correct time to start your retirement fund.

You must make sure to put a little every month in the retirement that would yield an amount adequate enough to feed you and fulfill your needs after your retirement. Another money mistakes to avoid in your 20’s is not paying attention to your retirement fund.

6. Spending recklessly on credit cards

Getting your hands on a credit card is very easy these days. Seems like teenagers in their 20’s cannot keep their hands off these credit cards! With amazing schemes, cash backs and numerous deals going on every day at various places make you spend a fortune through these easy cards.

Now, you must remember that the money has to be paid by you only at the end. Most people get caught in their debt of credit cards bill and keep on paying for months and years to completely get rid of those debts. That is why one should remember to spend wisely in their 20’s.

I hope this post on “6 Surprisingly Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20’s” helps the newbies in their early 20’s to avoid these common mistakes.

Further, do comment below if you had made any big financial mistake in your 20’s.

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6 Surprisingly Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20's (2024)

FAQs

Is it normal to struggle financially in your 20s? ›

Most people, even in their mid-to-late 20s are still struggling to establish themselves. That can be hard to do if your job isn't paying you enough, you're struggling to make rent, have no savings, and are being crushed by debt.

What is the biggest financial mistake people make? ›

Are you guilty of any of these common money mistakes?
  • No emergency savings fund. ...
  • Not saving for retirement. ...
  • Ignoring a low credit score. ...
  • Paying too much for financial services. ...
  • Splurging with your tax refund. ...
  • Co-signing a loan. ...
  • Being underinsured. ...
  • Living beyond your means. This is a tough one.

What are the most common money problems? ›

Common money problems include high-interest credit card debt, lower income, student loan debt, a low credit score, and overspending.

What is your biggest financial regret? ›

These are Americans' top 3 financial regrets—and how to avoid...
  • Regret #1: Living in the moment & not saving enough for the future.
  • Regret #2: Overspending & not living within your means.
  • Regret #3: Taking on too much debt to reach your financial goals.
  • Get professional guidance on your financial plan.
Feb 27, 2024

Where should a 25 year old be financially? ›

By age 25, you should aim to have an emergency fund of 3-6 months of living expenses, and start regularly contributing to retirement savings to take advantage of compound interest over time, even if it's just small amounts.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What financial mistakes poor people make? ›

Buying What They Can't Afford

Whether it's a boat or a cup of coffee, experts say spending money you don't have and putting it on a credit card or taking out a loan can set you up for financial hardship in the future.

What is the nastiest hardest problem in finance? ›

Bill Sharpe famously said that decumulation is the “nastiest, hardest problem in finance”, and he is right. What's less well-known is Bill Sharpe's proposed solution to this problem, which he called the “lock-box approach”.

Why do most people struggle financially? ›

The high cost of living, wealth inequality and job market uncertainty have all contributed to financial vulnerability, even among wealthy families.

What are the biggest financial mistakes Americans make? ›

This brief list represents five of the biggest mistakes financial experts say Americans commonly make, and how you might sidestep them.
  • Believing an emergency fund is a pipe dream. ...
  • Carrying credit card debt. ...
  • Putting off retirement saving. ...
  • Impulse buying. ...
  • Not writing a will.
Feb 1, 2024

What is a bad financial situation? ›

Lack of income/job loss. Unexpected expenses. Too much debt. Need for financial independence. Overspending or lack of budget.

How to increase income? ›

7 Ways to Increase Income
  1. Turn Your Hobby Into A Business. If you have a hidden talent or passion you'd gladly spend more time working on, you can probably find a way to use your skills to turn a profit. ...
  2. Ask for a Raise. ...
  3. Teach What You Know. ...
  4. Rent Out a Room. ...
  5. Go Back to School. ...
  6. Look for a New Job. ...
  7. Get a Second Job.

How many Americans live paycheck to paycheck? ›

A majority, 65%, say they live paycheck to paycheck, according to CNBC and SurveyMonkey's recent Your Money International Financial Security Survey, which polled 498 U.S. adults. That's a slight increase from last year's results, which found that 58% of Americans considered themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck.

What is the number one regret in life? ›

1) “I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” 2) “I wish I hadn't worked so hard.” 3) “I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.” 4) “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.” 5) “I wish I had let myself be happier” (p.

How do you restart financially? ›

5 Steps to Take Control of Your Finances
  1. Take Inventory—and Set Goals. ...
  2. Understand Compound Interest. ...
  3. Pay Off Debt and Create An Emergency Fund. ...
  4. Set Up Your 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) ...
  5. Start Building Your Investment Profile.
Jan 9, 2024

How much money should I be making in my 20s? ›

Average Salary for Ages 20-24

The median salary of 20- to 24-year-olds is $720 per week, which translates to $38,012 per year. Many Americans start out their careers in their 20s and don't earn as much as they will once they reach their 30s.

How much money should you have in your 20s? ›

Financial experts typically recommend saving up three to six months' worth of necessary expenses in order to have a healthy, fully-funded emergency account. So, there's no specific number that a person in their twenties needs to have in their emergency fund — it should be based on their necessary monthly expenses.

What is the average debt in your 20s? ›

Here's the average debt balances by age group: Gen Z (ages 18 to 23): $9,593. Millennials (ages 24 to 39): $78,396. Gen X (ages 40 to 55): $135,841.

At what age are most people financially stable? ›

The Bottom Line

If you start early enough—say, in your 20s—and follow the steps listed above, you may become financially secure by the time you reach your 30s. If you're older, all isn't lost. You can still reach your financial goals as long as you have a plan and adhere to it.

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