She Strengthens

Embracing Adulthood: How Our Spending Habits Evolve

As we navigate our 20s, the concept of adulthood can seem daunting. We’re expected to have our lives together, but what does that even mean? One thing is certain: we want options. We want the freedom to live life on our own terms, and that requires a solid financial foundation.

Building a Safety Net

Having an emergency fund, financial literacy, and a retirement account are essential for weathering life’s unexpected twists and turns. But it’s not just about saving; it’s also about maturing in how we spend our money. Gaining control and clarity over our spending habits is key to achieving that elusive “adult” feeling.

Lessons from Those Who’ve Been There

To gain insight into how people have honed their spending habits over time, we asked individuals on the other side of 30 to share their biggest spending changes. Here’s what they had to say:

From Stuff to Experiences

Scott, now in his 30s, used to spend money on material possessions like DVDs and video games. But he’s since shifted his focus to experiences, like going out and enjoying quality time with friends. “It’s much more fulfilling,” he says.

Quality Over Quantity

Alicia, another 30-something, has become more focused on quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. She’s willing to spend more on a single, high-quality item that will last for years, rather than buying cheap, trendy pieces that quickly go out of style.

Value Over Price

Nick, who’s also in his 30s, has learned to prioritize value over price. Instead of opting for the cheapest option, he focuses on what will bring him long-term satisfaction. He’s started cooking healthy meals at home and investing in his education.

Spending with Intention

Alec, who’s in his 30s, used to spend money to impress others or seek validation. Now, he’s more mindful of his spending and focuses on his own long-term goals. He treats himself and others within his budget and prioritizes quality time with loved ones.

From Chaos to Control

Olivia, who’s 31, used to be a binge spender, driven by emotions rather than reason. But she’s since created a budget and started saving aggressively. In just one year, she went from saving $1,000 to saving nearly $10,000.

Luxuries Over Loud Nights

Gia, now 30, has traded loud nights out for quieter, more meaningful experiences. She’d rather spend money on a nice bottle of champagne or craft beer and enjoy quality time with friends.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Katy, who’s in her 30s, used to throw money at problems to avoid dealing with them. Now, she takes a step back, assesses the situation, and finds adult-like solutions. She’s learned that slowing down and thinking things through leads to better decision-making.

Investing in What Matters

Lauren, 31, has shifted her focus from material possessions to investments in her home and herself. She’s proud of her renovated bungalow and prioritizes spending on things that bring her joy and satisfaction.

From Haphazard to Intentional

Colin, who’s 31, used to think having half his rent in his checking account was being responsible. Now, he keeps a balanced budget and has a solid savings strategy in place.

Prioritizing What Counts

Jenn, approaching her 30s, has become more intentional with her spending. She’s cut back on miscellaneous purchases and focuses on health, fitness, and sustainable fashion. She’s also started taking her retirement savings more seriously.

As we navigate our 20s and 30s, it’s clear that our spending habits evolve as we mature. By prioritizing what truly matters, we can build a stronger financial foundation and create a life that’s truly our own.