If I could sit down with my younger self or with anyone just starting out, I’d have a lot to say about money, relationships, and making smart choices early.
Over the years, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons that have made a real difference.
Here are some of the best frugal, practical tips I’d pass along to anyone who wants to get ahead in life.
Invest
Investing early is one of the best financial decisions you can make. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to time the market or waiting for the “right” moment, but that usually backfires. Consistent investing beats perfect timing. Start as soon as you can and stick with it. Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back from building long-term wealth.
Track Your Expenses
Knowing where your money goes is powerful. Get into the habit of tracking your expenses and setting a realistic budget. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot waste, identify savings opportunities, and stay on top of your financial goals. A simple spreadsheet or budgeting app can make all the difference.
Avoid Costly Habits
The habits you build in your twenties stick with you, and they can get expensive fast.
Daily purchases like coffee shop runs, takeout, or smoking add up in ways that don’t feel obvious at first. Cutting back on (or avoiding) costly routines is one of the smartest money moves you can make early on.
Learn How To Cook
Cooking is a skill that pays off in more ways than one. It saves you money, keeps you healthier, and gives you confidence in the kitchen. It also means less expensive takeout meals and more control over your food budget.
Pair it with some basic financial knowledge and you’re already ahead.
Find Good Relationships
Choose relationships that support your growth instead of draining your resources.
If you find yourself constantly trying to fix a relationship with gifts, vacations, or distractions, it may not be the right one. It’s not your job to carry the emotional or financial weight of someone who isn’t ready to grow with you.
Live With Your Parents
If you have the option, staying with your parents for a little longer can be a smart financial move.
It gives you time to save, invest, and build a strong foundation without the pressure of rent or household expenses. It’s not about taking the easy way out; it’s about using your resources wisely.
Buy Second Hand
You don’t need brand-new everything. Buying second-hand can save you hundreds, if not thousands, over time.
Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and no-buy groups are filled with high-quality items. Invest in essentials, and use them for everything else. It’s better for your wallet and the planet.
Work for Companies That Pay Decent Wages
Your employer should respect your time and pay you fairly. If a company is cutting corners, underpaying, or ignoring labor laws, don’t wait for it to change. Start planning your next move and find a place that values your skills and expertise.
Loyalty shouldn’t cost you your financial well-being.
Compound Your Returns on Investment
Time is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth. Even a small investment can grow significantly if you give it time to compound. Reinvest your gains, stay consistent, and let your money do the heavy lifting.
Start early and be patient. It works.
Get Educated Early
If you’re considering higher education, don’t put it off for too long.
Some career paths require a degree, and not having one can limit your options down the line. Getting that education sooner rather than later can open more doors and save you from playing catch-up later in life.
Budget and Account For Everything
Set aside a specific amount of money for fun and stick to it. Don’t spend beyond your means just because you can.
Creating a clear budget and holding yourself accountable helps you value your money more and waste less of it.
Once you get the hang of it, budgeting doesn’t feel restrictive; it feels freeing.
Learn DIY Stuff
DIY skills save money and build confidence. Learn basic repairs, how to cook, how to sew, how to fix things around the house, whatever interests you.
These skills add up and come in handy when times are tight. They also give you more control over your environment and expenses.
Talk About Finances With Your Partner
Being financially aligned with your partner is key.
Share goals, talk openly about money, and keep your personal finances organized. Don’t overextend on a mortgage just because the bank says you qualify.
Be intentional with big purchases and make sure that your spending habits and savings goals align. When you’re on the same page, everything runs more smoothly.
Looking back, these are the kinds of lessons I wish I had figured out sooner, but it’s never too late to start putting them into practice. No matter where you’re at, these tips can help you build a better future one smart decision at a time.
