The #1 Financial Mistake People in Their 20s Make—and How to Avoid It

Starting to invest early can be challenging.

As you enter the workforce after college, numerous immediate priorities are vying for your attention:

➡ Settling into post-graduation life

➡Considering marriage

➡Repaying student loans

Once you’re married, a new set of priorities comes up:

➡Deciding whether to buy or rent a home

➡Planning for your children’s education costs

➡Evaluating your career path

With so many pressing concerns, it’s easy to see why investing for the future might not be a top priority.

Saving for a version of yourself 40 years from now can feel counterproductive when you’re worried about more immediate financial obligations, like paying health insurance deductibles.

I understand these challenges but stay with me.

Consider this scenario:

Let’s look at three different people

  • Ages 25, 35, and 45
  • Each invests $200 a month
  • Each earns a perfect 7% annual return

Those who start investing at 25 will have nearly $300k more than those who start at 35!

To achieve the same result:

The 35-year-old will need to save $430 per month ($230 more!)

The 45-year-old will need to save $1,008 per month ($808 more!)

Starting early requires less effort than starting later.

This is just one way working with a financial planner can help you get to where you want to go!

Remember, these numbers are for educational purposes only and don’t guarantee any results. But they illustrate a crucial point: starting to invest early can significantly impact your financial future.

Author

  • Kyle Glenn is the resident financial planner at Glenn Financial, where he focuses on delivering clear, values-aligned guidance to families, business owners, and retirees. After several years in the banking industry as a consumer lender, Kyle transitioned into financial planning full-time and passed the CFP® exam in March 2023. He now manages the day-to-day operations of the firm while meeting one-on-one with clients to help them simplify decisions, steward their resources wisely, and create measurable action plans for the future.

    Kyle is known for his relational approach—often over a good cup of coffee—and finds deep satisfaction in helping people gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. He and his wife, Susanna, live in the Shenandoah Valley

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