By: Louis Catania, Division of Infectious Disease and medically reviewed by Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
Leveling up your money game doesn’t mean you have to become a finance expert overnight. 💸 In fact, building strong habits in your 20s and 30s can be simpler—and more powerful—than you think. This is your era of growth, discovery, and (yes!) financial glow-ups.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, trying to recover from some past oopsies, or just want to feel more in control, there’s no better time to take charge of your financial future. Let’s talk about money moves that can help you feel confident, secure, and maybe even a little rich-rich one day.
Know your numbers 🔢
First things first—what’s actually coming in, and what’s going out?
📊 Track your income and expenses
🧾 Figure out how much you’d like to save (and put away—more on that later!)
🚫 Identify spending habits you want to change
Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about knowing what you can do. Want to plan for a trip, start saving, or reduce debt? This is your foundation.
Start with an emergency fund 💰
Life happens. Flat tires, unexpected bills, or a surprise move can throw off your whole month if you’re not ready. That’s where an emergency fund comes in.
Start with a small goal—maybe $500 or $1,000—and build from there. Keep it in a separate savings account so it’s easy to access when you need it (not when there’s a sale on sneakers 👟).
And now we budget 💕
Budgeting doesn’t mean cutting out everything fun. Try the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point:
- 50% on needs (rent, groceries, transportation)
- 30% on wants (dinners out, fun stuff, hobbies)
- 20% on savings or debt
You don’t need a fancy app to stay on top of things, but if you like that kind of support, tools like YNAB, Mint, or even a good old spreadsheet can make tracking everything a lot easier and less stressful.
Understand credit (and how to build it)
Your credit score is a number that represents how likely you can take on debt and pay off loans. It’s used to estimate how “good” you are with your finances. Think of it like a report card for your spending and saving history.
Now, the truth is that not everyone has a high credit score. We get it! Life is getting more and more expensive, and things happen in life that can cause finances to take a dip. If there is room for improvement, here are some strategies for getting that credit score in tip-top shape:
💳 Pay your bills on time (this one’s huge)
📉 Keep your credit card balance low
🔒 Don’t open a bunch of new cards all at once
Good credit can help you get an apartment, car loan, or even a mortgage for a house down the line. So, it’s worth keeping an eye on it!
Invest early and let your money grow
This one’s huge. The earlier you start investing—even if it’s just a little—the more your money grows over time thanks to compound interest (aka money’s version of a snowball effect).
One of the best tools for young adults? A Roth IRA. You contribute after-tax money, it grows tax-free, and you can withdraw it in retirement without paying taxes again. Even $50 a month can turn into thousands… it just takes some time.. 🌱
If your job offers a 401(k), especially one with a match, don’t leave that free money on the table. Take advantage of it!
Prioritize your health—financially, too
Medical bills can pile up fast, but there are ways to prepare. If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA), that’s a great way to save for healthcare costs with pre-tax dollars. Plus, HSAs can double as a retirement account if you don’t spend all the funds.
Need insurance or unsure where to start? Check out your state’s health marketplace or look into community clinics for affordable options. Taking care of yourself now can save you big-time later 🩺💪
Debt happens—make a plan, don’t panic
Student loans, credit cards, car payments—they’re common, and you’re not alone. The key is planning, so you can pay them off down the road.
Focus on high-interest debt first (like credit cards) and consider refinancing or income-based repayment options for student loans. And don’t be afraid to call lenders—sometimes they’ll work with you more than you’d think. 📞
Make moves that match your future self’s goals
Your future self will thank you for the smart choices you make now—whether that’s saving a little each month, building your credit, or learning the difference between an HSA and a Roth IRA 🙌
And if you're looking for support as you navigate money, health, relationships, and everything in between, the Positive Peers app has your back. It's a safe, welcoming space to connect with others, get real-life advice, and build the kind of future you want.
💜 Download the Positive Peers app today and keep glowing up—financially, emotionally, and beyond.