Your 20s and 30s is the era where you finally escape the “broke student” label to being a “broke adult”, because what is adulthood if not paying bills on repeat and there is never enough money.
You get your first real paycheck and believe you can now buy whatever you want, after all another one will come in by the end of the next month. Nobody warned you that the only thing you will get to buy for yourself is a box of pizza, and maybe one drink.
The truth is, while you’re out here chasing “soft life” and trying to figure things out, there are tiny little habits that seem harmless now but can wreck your future.
So, before you spend your salary on another gadget you don’t need or start thinking YOLO is a financial plan, let’s talk about the most common money mistakes to avoid in your 20s and 30s and how not to let them ruin your future.
1. Spending Money Like You’re Beyonce (On a Fresh Graduate Salary!)
Congrats! You survived the job applications, the awkward interviews, and the “we’ll get back to you” emails that never came. Now, the paycheck has finally landed, it’s time to reward yourself, you deserve a staycation and brunch at a fine dining restaurant.
Just remember your bank account still thinks you’re on student allowance. That salary that feels like a fortune on payday can vanish very quickly if you are not careful.
Yes, budgeting is boring. But so is being “broke” two weeks into the month and surviving on garri and biscuits until the next payday. Budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life, it just means future you won’t be mad at you for financial recklessness.
ALSO READ: Savings 101: 5 Nigerians talk about how they save money in Lagos
2. Ignoring An Emergency Fund
There’s really no need for an emergency fund, you can always call your aunt that lives in the UK anytime you need money urgently. Big Flex!
Except that your aunt will eventually get tired of attending to your every need, since you’re now an adult. Life has a way of throwing unexpected bills at you and there’s your boss telling you “we’re like family” and forgetting to pay salaries that month.
The unexpected bills don’t care if payday is two weeks away or if you just blew your last cash on a “treat yourself” weekend. Without an emergency fund, you’ll end up borrowing from friends or running to loan apps, and trust me, nothing humbles you faster than owing money for a problem you didn’t even see coming.
It’s advisable to build an emergency fund, even if it’s just enough to cover transport, and Indomie for three months, it’s better than nothing. So the next time life throws shade, you can throw money back at it.
3. Delaying Investing (Because You Think You’re Too Young And Don’t Have The Money)
You keep telling yourself you’ll start investing “when you earn more”, but every time you earn more, somehow your expenses magically level up too. You go from shawarma on Fridays to Chinese rice every other night, and suddenly “you’re too rich” for public transport. Next thing, the “extra” money is nowhere to be found.
Truth is, if you don’t build the habit of investing when you have little, you probably won’t do it when you have plenty. Many young adults think investing is only for the wealthy and older people, or something to “figure out later.” But the earlier you start, the more compound interest works in your favor.
Start small. Even if it’s the cost of one shawarma a week, toss it into an investment account, preferably Bamboo on Fusion and earn in dollars. Don’t wait until you’re “a millionaire” to start, because by then, your taste for luxury will be wealthy too. Start now and in the future you will “thank you” for not procrastinating.
4. Overspending On Lifestyle Upgrades
Don’t you think you deserve a bigger space? It’s time to change your iPhone to the latest one. You just got a raise, so live like the “Odogwu and Odogwuress” that you are.
As your income grows, it’s tempting to upgrade your lifestyle. One small raise and suddenly your “manageable” one-room apartment feels like a shoebox, your perfectly fine car suddenly feels like a “keke.” Before you know it, every salary increase disappears into new bills, new habits, and new “standards” you suddenly can’t live without.
Lifestyle upgrade is the silent thief of wealth. On paper, you’re earning more. But in reality, you’re still living paycheck to paycheck, just with fancier clothes and maybe a nicer apartment.
When your income goes up, let your savings and investments go up too, not just your rent and shopping list. Fight the urge to spend every extra money. Grow your wealth now so you can actually enjoy real freedom later, not just the illusion of it. Because trust me, “rich broke” (earning plenty but still struggling) is a scam lifestyle you don’t want.
ALSO READ: The Hustler’s Guide to Saving Money in 2025
Your 20s and 30s are for building, not just careers and relationships, but also a solid financial foundation. Avoiding these money mistakes won’t make you rich overnight, but it will protect your future self from unnecessary struggles.
The choices you make with money today will tell a lot of difference in years to come. So, choose wisely, start early, and remember: every naira, dollar, or pound saved and invested today is buying you freedom tomorrow.
To learn more about how to manage and spend your money wisely, join the Finance 101 Community on Fusion.
157 Responses
Excellent breakdown, I completely agree with the challenges you described. For our projects we started using an AI-driven system called AI link building by OptiLinkAI, and it has simplified the entire process. It’s refreshing to see technology finally making link acquisition smarter, not just faster.
AFRO DATE ORG//ADD US ON WHATSAPP +2348107906879
FROM THE STABLE OF AFRO DATING ORGANIZATION, WE BRING TO YOU THE BEST SUGAR MUMMY/DADDY HOOK-UP CONNECTION IN NIGERIA.
MR BALOGUN JOSEPH 08107906879 FACEBOOK CONTACT: BALOGUN KUNLE JOSEPH.
Are you good in bed ??do you really need a rich hot sexy sugar mummy or sugar daddy that can change your life completely with money and influence, so get the opportunity to meet sugar mummies from all works of life,politicians,bankers,oil ladies,executives,directors,gold ladies,cash money ladies,ITA GIWA group of friends,doctors,dubai ladies,london based ladies,ladies willing to pay as much as 300-500k per night,and get the best exclusive VIP arrangement anywhere in Nigeria,LAGOS,ABUJA,CALABAR,DELTA,ANAMBRA,PORTHARCOURT,RIVERS,KOGI,KADUNA,JOS,ABIA,IBADAN,ONDO,BENIN,we have some hot rich sugar mummies who are urgently in need of sugar boys and some rich daddies who are looking for young girls to spend thier money on, SO HURRY UP NOW AND GET A CHANCE TO MEET SUGAR MUMMIES AND DADDIES OF YOUR DREAM
GET CONNECTED TO THE MOST RICHEST SUGAR MUMMIES & SUGAR DADDIES IN NIGERIA
CONTACT DATABASE ADMIN FOR MORE DETAILS +2348107906879
Dead indited written content, appreciate it for information .
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this web site is one thing that is wanted on the net, somebody with just a little originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!
This post is jam-packed with valuable information and I appreciate how well-organized and easy to follow it is Great job!
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
Perfectly composed articles, Really enjoyed looking at.
Hi there, I found your web site by means of Google at the same time as searching for a related topic, your website got here up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
https://t.me/s/Best_promocode_rus/3307
https://t.me/s/Best_promocode_rus/3307
**mind vault**
mind vault is a premium cognitive support formula created for adults 45+. It’s thoughtfully designed to help maintain clear thinking
https://t.me/online_1_win/15512
https://t.me/online_1_win/17779
https://t.me/online_1_win/16277
https://t.me/online_1_win/16822
https://t.me/online_1_win/12385
https://t.me/online_1_win/15751
https://t.me/online_1_win/18337
https://t.me/online_1_win/10472
https://t.me/online_1_win/18142
https://t.me/online_1_win/15138
https://t.me/online_1_win/17498
https://t.me/online_1_win/12881
https://t.me/online_1_win/12809
**glpro**
glpro is a natural dietary supplement designed to promote balanced blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings.
**sugarmute**
sugarmute is a science-guided nutritional supplement created to help maintain balanced blood sugar while supporting steady energy and mental clarity.
**vittaburn**
vittaburn is a liquid dietary supplement formulated to support healthy weight reduction by increasing metabolic rate, reducing hunger, and promoting fat loss.
**synaptigen**
synaptigen is a next-generation brain support supplement that blends natural nootropics, adaptogens
**glucore**
glucore is a nutritional supplement that is given to patients daily to assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar and metabolic rates.
**prodentim**
prodentim an advanced probiotic formulation designed to support exceptional oral hygiene while fortifying teeth and gums.
**nitric boost**
nitric boost is a dietary formula crafted to enhance vitality and promote overall well-being.
**wildgut**
wildgutis a precision-crafted nutritional blend designed to nurture your dog’s digestive tract.
**sleeplean**
sleeplean is a US-trusted, naturally focused nighttime support formula that helps your body burn fat while you rest.
**mitolyn**
mitolyn a nature-inspired supplement crafted to elevate metabolic activity and support sustainable weight management.
**yusleep**
yusleep is a gentle, nano-enhanced nightly blend designed to help you drift off quickly, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling clear.
**zencortex**
zencortex contains only the natural ingredients that are effective in supporting incredible hearing naturally.
**breathe**
breathe is a plant-powered tincture crafted to promote lung performance and enhance your breathing quality.
**prostadine**
prostadine is a next-generation prostate support formula designed to help maintain, restore, and enhance optimal male prostate performance.
**pinealxt**
pinealxt is a revolutionary supplement that promotes proper pineal gland function and energy levels to support healthy body function.
**energeia**
energeia is the first and only recipe that targets the root cause of stubborn belly fat and Deadly visceral fat.
**prostabliss**
prostabliss is a carefully developed dietary formula aimed at nurturing prostate vitality and improving urinary comfort.
**boostaro**
boostaro is a specially crafted dietary supplement for men who want to elevate their overall health and vitality.
**potentstream**
potentstream is engineered to promote prostate well-being by counteracting the residue that can build up from hard-water minerals within the urinary tract.
**hepato burn**
hepato burn is a premium nutritional formula designed to enhance liver function, boost metabolism, and support natural fat breakdown.
**hepato burn**
hepato burn is a potent, plant-based formula created to promote optimal liver performance and naturally stimulate fat-burning mechanisms.
**flow force max**
flow force max delivers a forward-thinking, plant-focused way to support prostate health—while also helping maintain everyday energy, libido, and overall vitality.
**neuro genica**
neuro genica is a dietary supplement formulated to support nerve health and ease discomfort associated with neuropathy.
**cellufend**
cellufend is a natural supplement developed to support balanced blood sugar levels through a blend of botanical extracts and essential nutrients.
AFRO DATE ORG//ADD US ON WHATSAPP +2348107906879
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A RICH WEALTHY SUGAR MUMMY/SUGAR DADDY/GAY AND LESBIAN PARTNER ANYWHERE IN NIGERIA,GHANA, COTONOU, TOGO, UK, USA, ASIA, SOUTH AFRICA, MALAYSIA, ZIMBABWE AND IVORY COAST, THEN CONTACT AFRO DATE ORGANIZATION DATABASE ADMIN, MR JOSEPH (08107906879)
Are you a young man seeking for sugar mummy or young girl seeking sugar daddy, Single Ladies and single guys. Are you good in Bed ? Do you really need a rich sexy sugarmummies or sugardaddies that can change your life completely with money and influence, so get the opportunity to meet sugarmummies and sugardadies from all works of life, politicians, Bankers, Oil ladies, Directors, Gold dealers, Cash money ladies, Doctors, London Based willing to pay as much as 300k to 500k and get the best exclusive VP arrangement anywhere in Nigeria. LAGOS, ABUJA, CALABAR, DELTA, ANAMBRA, PORT, IBADAN, RIVER, JOS, BENIN, ONDO etc we have some rich sugar mummies and sugar daddies who are urgently looking for youngmen and youngladies to spend their Money on.Contact our Agent Mr Joseph on 08107906879 for more Details…