Intro
Your 20s are wild — new jobs, new freedom, new everything. But let’s be honest, most of us are just trying to make it to payday without eating instant noodles every night. While it’s okay to splurge on things you love, your early years of adulthood are also the time to set the stage for financial freedom.
And even if you’re already past your 20s, these lessons still matter. Whether you’re 19 or 39, it’s never too late to stop bad money habits and start building better ones. Here are 7 common money mistakes to stop making before 30 — and why fixing them now will make your future self proud.
1. Living Without a Budget
If you don’t tell your money where to go, it will tell you where it went. Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about direction. Whether you use an app or a notebook, track what’s coming in and what’s going out. You’ll be shocked at how much you spend on “little things.” Start budgeting today and you will thank yourself in the future.
2. Ignoring Emergency Savings
Emergencies happen when you least expect them, whether it’s car repairs, job loss, or medical bills. Even small emergencies can make ₦2,000 feel significant. If you’ve ever juggled different bank apps to move small amounts just to meet an urgent need, you know the feeling. I remember a meme: one night, you’re spending in the club like Obi Cubana, the next day moving ₦200 from Gtb to Opay just to subscribe. That’s why it’s so important to build a small emergency fund—start with even ₦10,000 or $50 a month. Think of it as your financial seatbelt: you hope you never need it, but you’re always glad it’s there.
3. Relying on Debt for Lifestyle
Credit cards, “buy now, pay later,” and quick loans may seem like free money—until the bills arrive. Taking a loan from one app just to repay another without a steady income leads to serious financial trouble. Providers of loan apps/facilities care only about repayment, not what happens in your life. If you finance a lifestyle you can’t afford, you create future stress. I am not writing off credit facilities here. Rather, use credit wisely and live within your means.
4. Not Investing Early
You don’t need to be rich to invest; investing can help you grow your wealth. Start small with a mutual fund, small side business, or savings-investment plan. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow. Compound interest works quietly in your favor. Some banks offer spend-to-save features, allowing you to save a fraction of every purchase. Don’t say, “I am old now, I can’t start investing.” The best time to invest is now. Always be informed and research carefully, especially with unfamiliar investments.
5. Overspending on Impressing People
If you’re buying things you don’t need to impress people you don’t even like — stop. Social media pressure is real, but your financial health matters more than likes. The saddest thing is that many of those you are trying to impress are secretly wishing they could be like you. So, rather than spending on things you truly do not need just because you want to keep up and impress people, spend on yourself and pursue your goals. Confidence in your goals is the real luxury.
6. Forgetting to Build Multiple Income Streams
No truly wealthy person started or remained with one source of income. Relying on one job or source of income is risky. What if something happens? Life can happen to anyone without notice. So, start having multiple channels. Start a small side hustle, freelance, or learn a monetizable skill. Even if it brings in just a little, it can grow over time — and give you peace of mind. Before long, you will look back and be glad you started.
7. Thinking You’ll “Figure It Out Later”
Time doesn’t wait — and neither does money. The sooner you start paying attention, the easier it gets. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but don’t ignore your finances, hoping they’ll fix themselves. They won’t. In case you are one of those who say, “whatever will be, will be,” BREAKING NEWS! The only things that will be (without your involvement) are things you don’t want. So, act today and act now! You don’t need to figure out everything before you act. Just stay guided on your course, and as you move, things will become clearer and you will be able to say “Yes! I see clearly now. I made the right decision.”
Final Word
You don’t need to have it all together in your 20s — or even in your 30s. What matters most is that you start paying attention to your financial life. The truth? Financial freedom isn’t about age or luck; it’s about choices. Every smart money move you make — no matter when you start — compounds into peace, stability, and options later in life. Start where you are, with what you have. The best time to get it right is today.
Your Turn
Which of these mistakes are you guilty of? Do you care to share in he comments section? Also, let us know other Money Mistakes you think will benefit people. The comments are open, and we would love to hear from you. That’s our wrap for today’s “Seven of Seven”. Until our next post, where we will be taking an adventure to the 7 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in 2025 – you don’t want to miss that. Stay tuned!
