Practical, Fatherly Advice To Set You Up For a Lifetime of Financial Confidence
Today I’m switching gears to share a smart money minute on behalf of my nieces (shout out to my incredible nieces, Rachel & Sarah) and all the 20-somethings out there dealing with finances and adulting for the first time. I remember being young and thinking I had all the answers, and while I can’t prevent you from making mistakes along the way, I hope this information will help give you a leg up on your financial journey through life.
Hey kiddo,
I know you’re out there doing your best — chasing your dreams, figuring life out, learning the hard way (because, let’s be honest, that’s usually how we learn). But before the bills pile up and the credit card companies start sending you “exclusive offers,” I want to give you a few pieces of advice — the kind I wish someone had handed me when I was your age.
Consider this a sit-down over coffee — not a lecture. Just 10 things about money I hope you take seriously — because they’ll make your life a lot easier down the road.
1. Spend Less Than You Make — Always
It sounds obvious, but this rule is the foundation. If you can’t do this, nothing else will stick.
I don’t care how much you earn — if your spending exceeds your income, you’re headed for stress, debt, and sleepless nights. It’s not about being cheap. It’s about giving yourself options.
“You can’t build wealth if you’re leaking cash.”
2. Your First Credit Card Isn’t Free Money
They’ll mail you shiny cards and tell you about cashback and points. It all sounds great — until that balance balloons, interest kicks in, and you’re paying for last month’s tacos for the next six months.
Use credit like a tool, not a toy. If you can’t pay it off in full every month, don’t swipe it.
Fatherly truth: Debt is like quicksand. Easy to step into, tough to get out of.
3. Start Saving — Even If It’s Only $25 a Month
Don’t wait for “extra money.” Just start. The habit is more important than the amount.
Open a savings account. Automate a transfer every payday. You won’t miss it — but future you will thank you deeply.
“Time is your greatest money-making tool. Use it.”
4. Build an Emergency Fund Before You Need One
Car breaks down. Job gets cut. Dental work hits out of nowhere. Life doesn’t wait for you to be ready.
A $500–$1,000 cushion can keep you from putting emergencies on a credit card. It’s not a luxury — it’s protection.
Rule of thumb: If it can go wrong, plan for it.
5. You Don’t Have to Follow What Everyone Else is Doing
You’ll see people on Instagram in Bali, wearing $200 shoes, driving cars they can’t afford. That’s their choice. But you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.
True confidence is walking your own financial path — not copying someone else’s highlight reel.
“Some people are faking rich. Don’t go broke trying to keep up.”
6. Invest Early — Even If It’s Just a Little
Here’s the magic word: compound interest.
A $100 investment today is worth more than $1,000 ten years from now. Don’t overthink it. Open a Roth IRA. Put money into a simple index fund. Set it and forget it.
Starting early matters more than starting big.
7. Learn How to Budget (It’s Not About Restriction — It’s About Direction)
A budget isn’t punishment — it’s a plan. It tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
Find a system that works for you — spreadsheet, app, notebook. Keep it simple, but stay consistent.
“Money likes clarity. If you’re vague, it disappears.”
8. Be Wary of Financial Advice From Broke People
Your buddy who lives paycheck to paycheck but swears Dogecoin is the answer? Maybe not the best source.
Get your advice from people who’ve walked the walk — not just talked the talk.
You don’t take health advice from someone who’s always sick. Money’s no different.
9. Learn to Say “No” — And Mean It
You don’t have to go to every dinner, pitch in on every group trip, or agree to every expense that doesn’t fit your goals.
Saying no now can mean saying yes to bigger things later — like owning a home, starting a business, or traveling debt-free.
“Boundaries build wealth. Don’t let guilt wreck your wallet.”
10. Your Money Habits Will Shape Your Future — More Than You Know
You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be intentional.
Every financial choice you make today — even the small ones — shapes the life you’ll live 10, 20, 30 years from now.
Start building good habits now, and you’ll be way ahead of the pack before you even hit 30.
Final Thoughts From “Uncle Steve”
Life’s going to throw curveballs. You’ll make mistakes. That’s okay — it’s part of the process. But if you start now, take your money seriously, and give yourself just a little discipline and structure, I promise: your future self will have a much easier time.
Money doesn’t buy happiness — but it does buy options, freedom, peace of mind, and security for the people you love. And that’s worth more than anything you’ll ever buy on a whim.
Take care of your money, kid. One day, you’ll be the one passing this advice on.
Love,
A financial dad who’s made the mistakes so you don’t have to.