9 money moves successful people made in their 20s that paid off decades later

I remember sitting in my tiny first apartment in my twenties — a rickety little place with more ambition than furniture — when I made my first “grown-up” money move.

It wasn’t glamorous. I skipped a weekend out with friends and put that cash into a savings account that barely earned interest. But that small, almost laughable decision was the start of a habit that changed everything.

Looking back now, retired and  pretty comfortable, I can see how the little choices I made back then — the ones that didn’t feel like much at the time — quietly built the life I have today.

Here are nine of those simple money moves that successful people make in their twenties — moves that don’t pay off overnight, but do, slowly and surely, over decades.

1. Saved 10-20% even when it hurt

Remember when you could barely afford ramen? That’s exactly when you need to start saving. 

I learned this the hard way after a financial mistake early in my marriage taught me about the importance of communication and shared decision-making.

My wife and I were broke, living paycheck to paycheck with our first child on the way. We committed to saving 10% no matter what. Some months that meant eating beans and rice four nights a week.

But here’s the thing – that discipline became automatic. By the time our income increased, saving wasn’t painful anymore; it was just what we did.

2. Built multiple income streams early

Did you know the average millionaire has seven streams of income ? Yes, seven.

In my twenties, I thought having one steady job was enough. Wrong. The successful people I knew were always hustling on the side – tutoring, freelancing, flipping items on weekends.

One colleague started buying and selling baseball cards while working full-time. Seemed silly at the time. He retired at 55 with a paid-off house and a collection worth six figures. The point isn’t the baseball cards – it’s that he didn’t put all his eggs in one basket.

3. Lived below their means despite income growth

Here’s a shocking stat: a study found that 64% of millionaires describe their homes as “modest” and 55% buy used cars. 

When I got my first promotion, the temptation to upgrade everything was real. Instead, we kept driving our beat-up Honda and put the extra money into investments. That single decision probably added five years to my retirement fund.

4. Invested in relationships, not things

You know what paid better dividends than any stock I ever bought? The relationships I built in my twenties.

Taking colleagues to lunch, remembering birthdays, showing up when people needed help – these weren’t calculated moves, but they created a network that opened doors for decades.

When offered a claims adjuster position that required public speaking (my biggest fear), my mentor convinced me to take it anyway. That discomfort led to promotions and eventually helped me overcome my fear by joining Toastmasters at 55.

Without that relationship, I’d have stayed in my comfort zone.

5. Married someone who shared financial values

I met my wife at a community college pottery class 40 years ago. We didn’t talk about money on our first date, but looking back, the signs were there. She brought coupons to the grocery store. She suggested free concerts in the park instead of expensive dinners.

Having a partner equally committed to our financial future made all the difference. We learned to budget properly only after the kids were born and money was tight, but we learned together. Can’t put a price on that.

6. Learned to track every dollar 

Ever wonder where your money actually goes? In my late twenties, I discovered my relationship with money was tied to my self-worth. Tracking expenses revealed wasteful patterns I’d been blind to – $200 monthly on work lunches, $150 on magazines I never read.

That single year of awareness changed my spending forever. It’s like stepping on a scale daily when trying to lose weight. Awareness alone changes behavior.

7. Started retirement savings

I didn’t start my retirement fund until 28. Felt like I’d already blown it.

But here’s what nobody tells you – starting late is infinitely better than not starting. Through disciplined spending and gradually increasing contributions, I caught up.

Compound interest is real, folks. Every year you wait costs you thousands in retirement. If you’re reading this in your thirties thinking it’s too late, it’s not. Start today.

8. Built an emergency fund

Hearing about my grandparents build a life from nothing taught me about resilience. They always had money hidden away “just in case.” That lesson saved us during three corporate restructures.

An emergency fund isn’t sexy. It doesn’t give you bragging rights at parties. But the peace that comes with knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you? That’s worth more than any luxury car.

9. Invested in skills, not just stocks

The best investment I made in my twenties wasn’t in the market – it was in myself. Night classes, professional certifications, even that public speaking course I dreaded. Skills compound faster than money in your early years.

One friend spent $2,000 on a coding bootcamp in 1985 while everyone thought he was crazy. That investment multiplied his income tenfold over his career. The right skill at the right time can change everything.

Final thoughts 

None of these moves feel life-changing in the moment. They’re small, sometimes inconvenient choices. But that’s how real wealth — the kind that gives you freedom, not just a big bank balance — is built.

The truth is, time rewards the steady more than the lucky. The people who made these moves in their twenties didn’t just get rich — they built calm, security, and options. And those things, I can tell you after decades of watching the tides of life rise and fall, are worth more than anything you can buy.

So wherever you are in life — whether you’re 25 or 55 — start with one of these habits. Then keep going. Because the best financial decision you’ll ever make isn’t some stock or strategy… it’s deciding to start.