5 Things You Should Save Up For Before Turning 30

5 Things You Should Save Up For Before Turning 30


July 9, 2023 | Eul Basa

5 Things You Should Save Up For Before Turning 30


Generally speaking, 30 years old is the age when true adulthood really starts to happen. At that point, your teenage years are well beyond you, and your 20s—the decade you have for figuring things out—would be officially over. How well prepared are you for the next stage of your life? Check out this list of five things you should want to save up for before turning 30 as a general guideline:

Birthday Cake | Birthday cake made by one of my friends, for… | FlickrFlickr

#1 More education

Most people are done with school forever once they've obtained their bachelor's degree, but in this day and age, one of the only ways to stand out from the crowd and remain competitive in the job market is to pursue higher levels of education. Nowadays, it seems like everybody has a bachelor's degree, and having one no longer guarantees you a job as it used to back in the day. Take up a new course or further your studies in your field—invest in yourself and it will pay off your career.

File:Harvard University Academic Hoods.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons

Advertisement

#2 Your own place

There's absolutely nothing wrong with living with your parents until you're 30, or even older. Most people frown upon it, but everybody has different circumstances and it's really nothing to be ashamed of. That said, unfortunately, your parents aren't going to be around forever, as much as you might want them to be. You need to save up money to eventually move out into your own place. Establishing a savings account to start and eventually an income that can sustain monthly payments on a property would be ideal.

Sunday Morning Bachelor Pad | Some "minimalist" decor items … | FlickrFlickr

Advertisement

#3 A life-changing trip

30 years old is a tricky age. Time seems to move exponentially quicker at that point, so, while you're still young, you might as well get some of that travel bug out of your system. Contrary to popular belief, traveling is not a luxury—like education, it is an investment in oneself; a way to expand one's horizons and learn about the world. It's harder to travel when you're of older age, so before you turn 30, you should try to fit in at least one trip to a foreign country.

HD wallpaper: white car travelling near mountains with rainbow ...Wallpaper Flare

Advertisement

#4 Investments for the future

Many older people will tell you that one of their biggest regrets is not planning ahead for their futures while they still had the time to do so. It's always good to start planning as early as possible for when you will no longer be able to work. A good way to establish some financial security early on is by investing in financial products like stocks, bonds, and UITFs. Additionally, you're going to want to get life insurance and health insurance.

free stocks Advisorymandi business technology blue light urban area reflection city human settlement metropolitan area metropolis night cityscape photography electronics electric blue building downtownPxhere

Advertisement

#5 A potential family

Starting a family isn't on everyone's wishlists, but for those who are looking to do just that, it would be a good idea to start saving early. This is especially crucial for those who have already been in long-term relationships and are almost certain that marriage and a family are the next steps they will be taking. Start thinking about wedding expenses, possible hospital bills, education plans, etc. A local bank representative may be able to advise you on such.

25-30 years old 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download ...Wallpaper Flare

Advertisement

READ MORE

uncertain and thoughtful man holding documents, standing in front of a house undergoing repairs

My friend insists that in 2026, homeownership is a scam because of taxes, insurance, and repairs. Is renting actually now smarter long term?

Your friend is not wrong to cringe at property taxes, insurance bills, and surprise repair costs. Those expenses are real, and in many markets they have risen sharply in the past few years. But calling homeownership a scam goes too far, because the long term math depends on time, location, financing, and what would happen to your rent if you do not buy.
May 19, 2026 Miles Brucker
Restaurant Investment

My brother wants me to invest in his restaurant even though he has already failed at two businesses. Should family loyalty trump my instincts?

Few money conversations get messier faster than this one. Your brother wants you to invest in his restaurant, but he has already watched two businesses fail. That puts family loyalty on a collision course with cold financial reality.
May 18, 2026 Miles Brucker
Hospital Bill

My coworker says he never pays hospital bills because they eventually settle for pennies. Is that actually true?

If you have ever stared at a huge hospital bill, your coworker’s advice might sound almost magical. Just ignore it, wait it out, and eventually the hospital will take pennies on the dollar. There is a grain of truth there, but the full story is a lot messier and a lot riskier.
May 15, 2026 Carl Wyndham
Internalfb Image (9)

My girlfriend says prenups are "basically planning for divorce." Is asking for one a terrible idea?

Few money conversations feel as loaded as asking for a prenup. To one person, it sounds like sensible financial planning. To the other, it can sound like you are already picturing the breakup before the wedding even happens.
May 12, 2026 Anna Adamska
Hurt young man holding legal documents, with his family in the background

My parents want me to split my inheritance evenly with my brother even though he already got years of financial help and I got nothing. Do I have to? (Copy) (Copy)

Inheritance disputes can turn old resentments into a very current financial problem. One of the most common flashpoints is when one child received years of help during a parent’s lifetime and another did not. If your parents now want you to split an inheritance evenly with your brother anyway, the short answer is that you usually do not have to unless a legal document requires it.
May 12, 2026 Anna Adamska
Facebook  Internal

My wife says hiding money in a separate account is "a normal thing couples do." Is that financial cheating? (Copy) (Copy)

Finding out your spouse has money tucked away in a separate account can land like a betrayal. For some couples, it is harmless autonomy. For others, it is a flashing warning sign that trust around money is breaking down.
May 12, 2026 Anna Adamska


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team