8 things I wish I knew about money in my 20s

Boy oh boy.

Money. 🤭

It’s one of those topics we all secretly want to figure out, but for some reason, nobody teaches us the basics when we’re young.

Why?!

This really *does* make NO sense at all.

Looking back, there are so many things I wish my silly little 20-year-old self had known about making money, building financial freedom, and creating a truly rich life.

And when I say rich, I don’t mean yachts and million-dollar homes…

I mean cozy-rich.

You know, the kind of life where you feel free, secure, and supported by how you handle your money and live your life.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the lessons I wish I knew about money in my 20s, so you don’t have to wait until your 30s (or later) to figure this stuff out.

BUT PLEASE NOTE: Whether you’re 20, 30, 40, or beyond, it’s never too late to cozy up to your finances.

Related Reads:

For my visual learners:  

1. Nobody’s Going to Teach You

When I was growing up, money was barely a topic in my house.

The only time it came up was when I asked, “We’re not poor, right?”

And in school? Forget about it.

Umm, I really beg to differ m’am

Personal finance wasn’t in the curriculum, so nobody told me how to budget, invest, or make my money grow on those trees lol. 🌳

The truth is: you have to seek out this knowledge yourself.

• Read the books
• Watch the YouTube videos
• Listen to the podcasts
• Decide that you’re going to change your financial ✨destiny✨ and then take the initiative to learn

No one is coming.

And nobody is going to do it for you.

But the good news is, once you decide to learn, it’s incredibly empowering.

So do it!!

2. Pay Yourself First

One of the biggest game-changers: learning to pay myself first.

Every time money comes in, give a portion of it to future you.

That might mean:

• Investing in index funds
• Putting cash into a high-yield savings account
• Contributing to retirement

It doesn’t matter if you can only save $5, it’s better than zero.

Over time, those small amounts will compound and grow. 💸

Paying yourself first is the foundation of building a rich (cozy) life.

3. It’s Not About Earning More, It’s About Keeping More

I used to think financial freedom meant hitting six figures or becoming a millionaire overnight.

Bah! Wrong again! 🙈

What I know now: it’s less about how much you earn, and more about how much you keep.

• Live below your means
• Spend less than you earn
• Budget what you have wisely

When you spend less and save more, you build wealth faster than any big salary could give ya.

4. Start Investing Early (Even if It’s Just $5)

If there’s one thing I really wish I understood in my twenties, it’s that weird term…compound interest.

Compound interest is your best friend, your bestie!

(But only if you start now.)

Even small, consistent contributions to an index fund or retirement account in your 20s can grow into something massive by the time you retire.

I didn’t start until later, and kiiinda I regret it.

But it’s not too late, lovely.

Even if you’re 30, 40, or 50, you can still start now (like to-day).

The point of this story: don’t wait. Even $5 invested today is better than $0 invested ever.

5. Build an Emergency Fund

Life is going to happen.

Your pet needs surgery, your car breaks down, your job suddenly disappears. 👋

Most people don’t have $1,000 saved for an emergency.

That is no good-oh.

Set up a separate savings account and start stashing away until you have at least 3 months of living expenses.

Having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind and reduce so much financial stress.

You’ll feel safer making bold decisions, like quitting your job to pursue your creative business, when you know you have a safety net.

6. Track Your Money (Don’t Ignore ‘Em)

In my twenties, I avoided looking at my bank account like the plague.

I’d swipe my card and just… hope for the best. 🤞

Um, that’s not really a plan, Mia…

Now, I check in with my accounts regularly (weekly and monthly).

I track what’s coming in and what’s going out.

I schedule a money date with myself at the beginning of each month to review it all.

Ya can’t control what you don’t track.

Knowledge is power. Awareness is the first step to change.

(Someone wise said this, and now I can’t remember who.) ^^

7. Wealth Isn’t About Stuff

A luxury car, a designer bag, or even a big house doesn’t mean someone is wealthy.

It just means they spent money. 😅

True wealth is your net worth → what you own, what you’ve saved, what you’ve invested.

So don’t get caught up in appearances.

Instead, focus on saving, investing, and creating value because that’s the stuff that builds true financial freedom.

8. Create Value and Add Income Streams

Most millionaires aren’t employees.

They’re creators, investors, and entrepreneurs.

The more value you create in the world, the more income you can generate.

That might look like:

• Starting a business
• Creating digital products
• Learning a high-value skill
• Adding new income streams beyond your 9–5

This doesn’t mean you have to hustle endlessly; it just means choosing to use your creativity in ways that add long-term value, and eventually create financial freedom.

Final Thoughts

If I could send a letter to my 20-year-old self, it would say:

1. Learn about money
2. Pay yourself first
3. Invest early
4. Live below your means
5. Build safety nets

Focus on creating value, not appearances.

You don’t need to be perfect with money.

You just need to start, even if it’s $5 at a time.

Schedule a cozy money date with yourself once a month.

Your future self will thank you.

Cozy vibes always. ✨☕️