Five essential financial moves to make before you turn the Big 3-0!
Turning 30 is a major milestone in life, and it’s important to ensure that you are setting yourself up financially for the future. Whether you’re just starting to save or already have a little set aside, there are some key steps you should take before you turn 30 to set yourself up for financial success.
Here are 5 financial moves to make before you turn 30
1. Establish an Emergency Fund
Having an emergency fund is essential for any age, but especially for those just starting to save. An emergency fund is a stash of money that can help you cover unexpected expenses or major life events, such as a job loss or a medical emergency. Aim to save up at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses, or whatever amount you think you’ll need to cover a major financial shock.
2. Start Investing
Investing is an important part of building wealth, and the earlier you start, the better. Investing in stocks, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles can help you grow your money and prepare for retirement. Consider working with a financial advisor to help you come up with an investment plan that’s tailored to your individual goals and risk tolerance.
3. Pay Off High-Interest Debt
If you have high-interest debt such as credit card debt or student loans, it’s important to make a plan for paying it off before you turn 30. The longer you carry high-interest debt, the more money you’ll have to pay in interest. Consider consolidating your debt if you can get a lower interest rate, or look into refinancing your student loans if you qualify.
4. Build Good Credit
Your credit score can play an important role in your financial life, so it’s important to start building good credit while you’re still young. Pay your bills on time, don’t max out your credit cards, and keep your credit utilization ratio low. You may also want to consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to keep an eye on your credit score and detect any signs of fraud.
5. Create a Retirement Plan
You may not be thinking about retirement yet, but it’s important to start planning for it now. Start by contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may be able to take advantage of employer matches, which can help your savings grow faster. Or open up a RRSP, and automate a deposit every paycheck or once a month, this way you will make sure to stay consistent with your contributions.
Turning 30 is an exciting new chapter in life, and taking these steps now can help you set yourself up for financial success in the future. Establishing an emergency fund, investing, paying off debt, building good credit, and creating a retirement plan are all important steps to take before you turn 30. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that you’re on track for financial success!