Hey, it’s Bella.
I want to talk about money in your early 20s—again.
I work in finance, but I’ve still made my share of dumb financial decisions. Managing money is harder than it looks, so here’s what I’ve learned the hard way (so maybe you don’t have to).
Thinking About the Future (Even If It Feels Far Away)
One thing I’ve thought about a lot this year is how the choices I make now will affect my future family.
How you handle money now impacts your future spouse, kids, and the life you want to build. Debt doesn’t disappear when you get married. The financial habits you create today will define your future.
Student Loans Are Easy to Forget… Until They Aren’t
It’s shockingly easy to take out loans and ignore them. Then graduation creeps up, and suddenly, reality comes crashing down.
And let me tell you from personal experience—nothing will humble you faster than realizing you have a five-figure debt waiting for you.
Know what you owe NOW. Log in, check your balance, and start planning.
Look into scholarships, grants, community college credits, or a part-time job. And never be afraid to ask your financial aid office if they can offer more assistance. The worst they can say is no.
Ignoring debt won’t make it disappear.
Start Saving Even If You’re Broke
The earlier you start saving, the less you’ll need to save later. Even $20 a month makes a difference.
- Open a high-yield savings account
- Work towards a goal (emergency fund, downpayment on a home, etc)
- If you have a job:
- start a Roth IRA or contribute to a 401(k)
- If your employer offers a match, contribute enough to get the full match (it’s free money).
You don’t want to be in the 100K and B club (the B stands for Broke).
You Don’t Need Every Nice Thing Right Now
I know it looks like everyone our age is living in luxury apartments, driving new cars, and traveling.
My guess? A lot of them are drowning in debt… or their parents are still paying for everything.
Would you rather struggle in your 20s to “keep up” or build wealth? Your choice.
Credit Cards Are the Devil’s Plastic
Credit cards seem like free money. They are not. They are traps with criminally high interest rates.
Use a credit card ONLY if you can pay it off in full every month.
No “just this once.” That’s how the cycle starts, and it’s brutal to climb out.
Putting Your Card Down for the Bill is a Trap
There’s something about being out with friends that just melts people’s sense of money. You go out for dinner and drinks, and at the end of the night, everyone’s staring at the check like it’s in a foreign language.
“Let’s just put it all on one card and Venmo after.” Sounds fine—until people forget, short you, or claim, “Wait, I didn’t have that drink.”
If you hate chasing people down for your own money, don’t be the one putting your card down. If you do, make everyone pay you first. It’s awkward but worth it.
Venmo has a feature that lets you split a bill easily. Here’s how to use it.
Subscriptions Will Bleed You Dry
It’s Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Prime, and that random subscription from freshman year of college.
It’s never just $5 or $10. Before you know it, you’re dropping $100+ a month on stuff you don’t even use.
Check your bank statements. If you’re not using it, CANCEL IT. There’s that extra $20 you can start saving every month now;)
I use Rocket Money to track my subscriptions.
Need a Hand Getting Started?
Tannery Company has a program for young professionals who want to build wealth.
Many financial firms only care about people who already have money. We’re unique.
If you’re ready to get serious about your financial future, we’ve got you.
Want to know more? Schedule a Meeting with our Team.
Final Thoughts
If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that financial literacy isn’t just about knowing how money works—it’s about actually paying attention to your money and future.
Because if you don’t? One day, you’ll wake up and wonder where it all went and where you went wrong.
Small steps today make all the difference for tomorrow. Your future self will thank you.
And remember, your life is just starting. Appreciate every moment and every struggle.
