5 Easy Ways To Increase Your Wealth For The Forward-Thinkers Of This Generation

In generational wars, one of the most hotly contested subjects is how young adults handle money management. But it’s also an in contextual conversation. You would have to take into account the economic difficulties that have arisen since the dawn of the twenty-first century, after all. Since 2000, there have been three notable recessions. Even while the causes and effects of each one were unique, they also got worse with time.

The Great Recession of 2008 and the 9/11 attacks came after the dot-com bust of 2001. More recently, the worldwide economic unrest brought about by the 2020 pandemic resulted in unparalleled job losses and financial difficulties, many of which are still being felt today.

The young folks of today were practically born into these frightening economic waves. The bright side is that they don’t have to let the mayhem get to them if they engage in activities centered around building their finances and looking ahead.

1. Side Projects To Stabilize Finances

Side projects have evolved from being a “fun-to-have” to a “must-have” during uncertain financial times, bolstering financial stability by serving as a hedge against market fluctuations. Fifty percent of millennials are exploring side gigs, according to a new Experian survey. Despite being less likely to have a side business, people in the 55 to 64 age range make the most money from it, with an average monthly income of $1,061.

When added together, even a few thousand extra dollars a month put straight into savings can assist provide a safety net in case one’s principal employment is threatened. One of the best things about side gigs is that they usually give you a lot of control and freedom. When one considers freelancing, the sharing economy, or even making money off of a hobby or talent, the possibilities are even more abundant.

2. Realizing The Dream of Homeownership

In an attempt to conserve money while looking into alternative choices, young adults have been returning to live with their parents in recent years due to rising rent and mortgage prices. The notion that young adults are reluctant to become homeowners was fostered by this upsurge, but it no longer appears to be the true.

Wahi’s research indicates that forty-five percent of Canadians who want to buy a home are currently making financial sacrifices in order to save for a house purchase at some time this year. A recent NerdWallet poll revealed that over 75% of Americans who had intended to purchase a home in 2023 did not actually follow through, demonstrating that saving is unquestionably the proper first step.

There is much more to this shift toward homeownership than merely saving money. It is also a step in developing responsible financial practices. Regular mortgage payments ensure long-term financial stability and gradually create equity, much like a mandated savings plan.

3. The Significance of Developing A Strong Credit History

A clean credit history indicates sound financial management. Having good credit also has other advantages, such as cheaper auto insurance prices, better housing possibilities, better loan conditions, better insurance rates, and increased likelihood of approval from lenders.

Almost anyone can find starting intimidating. There are a few strategies to make this procedure easier, though. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans are good places to start when establishing credit. Adding yourself as an authorized user on a family member’s credit card is another useful way to give them a boost.

These components, though, are but a single part of the puzzle. Additionally, you would have to exhibit responsible behaviors, including paying your bills on time and using your credit card sparingly. This will eventually result in a decent credit score; however, since the average credit score in the United States is expected to be 715 in 2023, you will need to work toward achieving the highest attainable score of 850.

4. Put Money Into Inexpensive Index Funds

Novice investors are increasingly favoring low-cost index funds due to their cost-effectiveness and broad market exposure provided by diversification. When one firm performs poorly, the investments in other companies help to offset the impact, which is why diversity is beneficial.

The S&P 500 index has grown at an average yearly pace of 10.7% over the last 30 years. These are a great choice for young adults who want to start investing because they can be easily purchased with a little initial expenditure across several platforms.

5. The Importance of Early Retirement Planning

Though there are several advantages for individuals who decide to start early, young professionals usually do not consider retirement planning. This is due to the fact that developing a practice of financial awareness is just as important as conserving money for the future.

The United States had $35.7 trillion in retirement assets as of 2023, yet many Americans were falling short of their retirement goals, highlighting the importance of early planning.

Setting retirement preparation as a top priority aids in making wise employment decisions, such as choosing positions with retirement benefits. Young adults benefit from having more time, which enables them to make thoughtful investing decisions early on and possibly earn larger returns later on.