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Hola chica! If you’re closing in on that big 3-0 soon, this blog is for you! It’s a great time to evaluate your finances, life goals, and playtime.
Here are 30 tips to do before your 30th birthday to level up and thrive:
Money Tips
1. Create a Financial Plan: Having a solid financial plan is crucial. Outline your income, expenses, savings, and investment goals. You need to understand where you are heading to build a life by design versus by default. The financial plan is your roadmap!
2. Boost Your Emergency Fund: Aim to have a minimum of three months of savings in a High-Yield Savings Account. Ideally, six to twelve months of living expenses are best to cover any emergencies.
3. Maximize Retirement Contributions: Increase your contributions to retirement accounts like your 401K or IRA. At a minimum, match your employer’s 401K match. Compound interest is your best friend!
4. Pay Off High-Interest Debt: High-interest debt can weigh you down. First, focus on paying off credit cards and personal loans. But if you need to see progress to stay consistent, pay off the lowest debt first. Consistency is key here!
5. Negotiate Your Bills: Review all bills and negotiate every six months or yearly. Companies constantly have deals and want to retain their loyal customers. If they do not have offers, research the competitor’s prices and be willing to switch plans.
6. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your High-Yield Savings Account and investment accounts to make saving effortless. This way, you are not tempted to use that money when it hits your checking account.
7. Build a Good Credit Score: Pay bills on time and only spend what you can afford. Keep credit utilization below 30%. Maintain your oldest credit card open because this is how you prove to lenders you have experience with credit. A healthy credit score will open better interest rates and access to credit cards with more perks.
8. Plan for Major Life Events: Whether you’re buying a home, getting married, or starting a family, plan ahead for significant life events. Create separate savings (AKA sinking fund) for these goals, which will help you feel less stressed and avoid accruing debt.
9. Build a Strong Relationship with Money: Commit to learning about personal finance. Developing a healthy relationship with your finances will help you avoid stress but will also help you get out of survival mode and build a life you have never seen your family experience.
10. Negotiate Your Salary Regularly: Review your salary and don’t hesitate to negotiate raises. Research what the market is paying for your current role in your location. Keep a bragging folder of your contributions to the team. Know your worth!
11. Plan for Healthcare Costs: Doctor visits can be expensive. If you have a high-deductible health plan, look into health savings accounts (HSAs). Even if you do not qualify, setting money aside in an HYSA account can be extremely helpful!
12. Track Your Spending: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor your money’s spending each month. You want to understand your spending to determine whether you agree with it or not. This will help you plan your money better. Spend in alignment!
13. Keep Your Lifestyle After a Raise: Resist the urge to upgrade your lifestyle with every raise. Consider saving and investing the difference. This is how you get ahead with money and make a difference in your life. Otherwise, you will find yourself in the hamster wheel until you retire.
14. Start a Side Hustle: Find ways to generate additional income. A side hustle can provide financial security and extra fun money. You can meet your financial goals faster. Consider something you are great at in your 9-5 job, something family and friends already pay you for, or a hobby. You have skills you can monetize!
15. Invest in Yourself: Whether furthering your education or learning new skills, investing in yourself is the best return on investment you can make!
16. Review Your Financial Goals Regularly: Take time each quarter to review and adjust your financial goals and plans. Ensure you are on track and what changes must be made to meet them.
Life Tips
17. Set Personal Goals: Get clear and outline your short-term and long-term personal goals. Whether career growth or learning a new hobby, having goals motivates you.
18. Prioritize Mental Health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Add this expense to your budget. Whether you need it now or later, you can seek support because you prepared for it. You will never have to choose between your mental health and money.
19. Build a Strong Network: Cultivate relationships with people who support and inspire you. Networking is the new LinkedIn. It can open up career opportunities. Most importantly, having a community holds you in times of need.
20. Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise is crucial for long-term health. If you are building wealth, health is just as important so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Find activities you enjoy to keep yourself motivated. Health is wealth, too!
21. Eat Healthy: Eating healthy fuels your body and mind. Try to incorporate more whole foods and fewer processed items. A quote that resonates is, “If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” It is never too late to start.
22. Maintain Work-Life Balance: Work is important, but so is downtime. Make sure you are taking time to relax and recharge. Do not default to work mode until you retire; once the time comes, you will have difficulty sitting still. Practice resting now.
23. Travel More: Explore new places and cultures. Traveling can broaden your perspective and provide unforgettable experiences. Add travel to your budget and plan for it. Avoid accruing debt for travel.
24. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on the things you’re grateful for. We often forget that we wished for what we have today. Practicing gratitude helps us be grateful for what we already have versus always chasing the new best thing.
25. Stay Organized: Keeping your space and schedule organized can help you reduce stress and increase productivity. Try decluttering more often; it does wonders for your mood.
Fun Tips
26. Try New Hobbies: Take up new hobbies, read books, paint, pottery, paddle board, or take courses to help you be in the moment. Hobbies are great ways to slow down and do something outside of your 9-5 routine. It’s never too late to find a new passion.
27. Spend Time with Loved Ones: Make time for family and friends. Relationships are a significant part of our different seasons in life. Whether that is a shoulder to cry on or a fun activity, your loved ones can show up for you! You do not have to do life alone.
28. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your achievements, big and small. You do not have to wait until you reach 100% completion of the milestone. Celebrating the small wins keeps you motivated.
29. Have Fun with Your Finances: Find joy in managing your money. Review your finances with something you like to do, for instance, a spa night or picnic. Reward yourself occasionally and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Find ways to reduce the anxiety you might experience while looking at your money.
30. Attend events and concerts: Allow yourself to have these experiences! They can be so fun and memorable. Trust your financial plan that you are paying off debt, saving and investing. Give yourself a Fun Money budget!
Turning 30 is the end of an era and the beginning of a new one! By focusing on these money, life, and fun tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the next decade with confidence and excitement.
Here is to making the most of every moment!
When We Work Together:
- I help you make a plan for your financial goals that works for you
- I help you gain control of your money so you always know where your money is
- I help you learn to manage your money while having fun now and resting more
I invite you to work with me 1:1 for four months. I want to help you take control of your finances as you enter this decade and think of the future so that you are ready to slow down and be more present as you enter your 40s. Book your call below.
It would be an honor to be part of your journey. I cannot wait to meet you!
