Financial Planning for 20 Year Olds

Creating a financial plan in your 20s can have a big impact on your long-term financial health. Your 20s are a good time to establish sound financial habits, manage your debt and begin investing. By creating a budget, building an emergency fund and starting to invest, you create a strong foundation for future growth. The choices you make now can set you up for reaching your long-term goals and achieving a secure financial future.

For help creating a personalized financial plan, consider reaching out to a financial advisor.

Financial Planning for 20 Year Olds – Creating a Budget

Making a sound financial budget is a cornerstone of financial planning for 20 year olds. By tracking your income and expenses, you can ensure that your money is allocated towards your essentials and get an idea of what you can save and invest.

In general, budgeting involves looking at your sources of income, then categorizing your expenses into fixed (like rent and loan payments) and variable (like utilities and groceries), as well as non-essentials (like entertainment). This gives you a clear picture of where your money is going and helps you identify where you can cut expenses. Depending on your goals and situation, there are a few different methods of budgeting that you can try:

The envelope budget system: The envelope budget system involves allocating cash into different envelopes for various categories, such as groceries, entertainment and transportation. Once the money in an envelope has been spent, no more money can be spent on that category until the next budgeting period. This method can help you control discretionary spending and develop disciplined spending habits.
The 80/20 budget plan: The 80/20 budget plan is a straightforward method that prioritizes savings, allocating 20% of income to savings and investments, while the remaining 80% covers living expenses. This approach simplifies financial planning for 20 year olds by ensuring a portion of income is always set aside for future needs. Over time, the 80/20 budget plan can build a substantial financial cushion.
The 50/30/20 rule: Another popular budgeting method is the 50/30/20 rule. This plan divides income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. Needs include essentials like housing, utilities and groceries, while wants cover non-essentials like dining out and entertainment. This method balances practical needs with personal desires, making it easier to manage your finances without feeling deprived.

Pay Down Debt

Minimizing and eliminating debt should be another key part of financial planning for 20 year olds. It not only helps young investors have more money to save and invest, but can also improve your credit score, making it easier to qualify for loans in the future. Tackling your debt early also helps reduce the interest you’ll pay over the long term, as well as reduce your financial stress. The following are two of the most common debt reduction methods:

The snowball method: The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debts first while making minimum payments on the larger ones. Once the smallest debt is cleared, that payment amount is rolled into the next smallest debt. This creates a snowball effect. The psychological boost from eliminating your smaller debts first can also motivate you to continue eliminating your debt.
The debt avalanche method: The debt avalanche method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, regardless of the balance size. By focusing on high-interest debt, you minimize the total interest paid over time. This approach can save money in the long run, even though it might take longer to eliminate your first debt.

Build an Emergency Fund

Minimizing and eliminating debt should be another key part of financial planning for 20 year olds.

Just because you’re in your 20s, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for an emergency. Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, can strike at any time. And without a financial cushion, this can lead to debt and financial stress.

A common guideline is three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This provides a solid buffer for a variety of scenarios, such as job loss or a major health issue. For those just starting their financial planning in their 20s, such an amount might be difficult to save. Try reaching an initial goal of $1,000, then gradually increase the amount in your emergency fund over time.

Start Investing

Investing early is a key part of financial planning for 20 year olds. By investing early and taking advantage of the power of compounding, young investors can maximize their investment potential and set themselves up for a secure financial future and even retirement. Compounding is the process where investment earnings generate their own earnings, and it can exponentially grow your wealth.

The following are two of the most popular options for those financial planning in their 20s:

Employer-offered 401(k) plans: Young investors can kickstart their financial and retirement planning by taking advantage of employer-offered 401(k) plans. These retirement accounts often come with employer matching contributions, which essentially means free money added to your retirement savings. Contributing a percentage of your salary to a 401(k) not only helps set you on a path toward long-term financial growth, it also reduces your taxable income.
Your own IRA: If a 401(k) is not available, consider opening an individual retirement account (IRA). IRAs come in two main types: Traditional and Roth. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deductible contributions, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Both options allow your investments to grow tax-deferred, making them powerful tools for financial planning for 20 year olds. The key is to consistently contribute to your IRA, leveraging the power of compounding to grow your savings over time.

Bottom Line

Investing early is a key part of financial planning for 20 year olds.

Financial planning in your 20s lays the groundwork for a secure and prosperous future. By budgeting effectively, managing debt, building an emergency fund, and starting to invest early, you can set yourself up for financial stability. Implementing good habits early on not only helps you navigate immediate financial challenges, but also positions you for long-term success and financial independence and security.

Financial Planning Tips

If you’re creating a financial plan, a financial advisor can help. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
To see how the power of compounding can work in your favor the earlier you start investing, use our 401(k) calculator to chart your growth.