What I Wish I Did in My 20s (And What I Do Now)

Have you ever stopped and thought about this?

“You only get paid around 300 times in your life.”

It hit me like a cold splash of water the first time I heard that.
At first, I laughed it off—300? That can’t be right. But when I did the math, it all checked out.

If you start working in your early 20s, and keep going until your 50s or 60s, and you’re paid monthly… that’s around 300 paychecks. That’s it. No bonus rounds. No extra lives.

I used to treat every payday like a mini celebration. I’d buy stuff I didn’t need, treat myself to overpriced coffee, and tell myself, “I earned it. I deserve it.” And sure, in the moment, it felt good.

But then the credit card bill came.

A Wake-Up Call I Didn’t Expect

At some point, I saw my bank balance and thought, “Wait, where did it all go?”
That was my moment of truth. I realized I was trading long-term security for short-term dopamine.
The numbers don’t lie, and neither did my growing anxiety about the future.

Managing money isn’t about being boring or restrictive. It’s about protecting your future self.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t skip workouts if you wanted to stay physically strong, right?
So why skip financial training?

Rethinking the Value of a Paycheck

Each paycheck isn’t just money—it’s potential.

Potential to:

build wealth
escape debt
invest in your dreams
take care of your future self

Once I understood that, I stopped asking, “What can I buy this weekend?”
and started asking, “What will this money mean five years from now?”

That shift changed everything.

What I Wish I Did in My 20s

Looking back, I wish I had started with a simple rule:
Treat at least half your paycheck like it belongs to your future.

Save it. Invest it. Use it to create freedom later.

I didn’t do that right away, and I paid for it—literally.
But the good news? It’s never too late to shift.

My Personal Story (The Real Stuff)

I’ve made the impulsive purchases.
I’ve had the “oh no” moments when rent and card bills collided.
But I’ve also learned how powerful it feels to finally have control.

One small change at a time. One paycheck at a time.

These days, I see each paycheck not as a reward—but as a resource.
And let me tell you, that mindset change brought more peace than any new gadget or outfit ever could.

Make Your Paychecks Work for You

If you only get about 300 paychecks in your life, here’s how to make them count:

Budget like you mean it.
Not just numbers on a spreadsheet—have a plan for every dollar.
Automate your savings.
If you don’t see it, you won’t spend it. Set it and forget it.
Watch for lifestyle creep.
Just because you earn more doesn’t mean you have to spend more.
Invest consistently.
Don’t wait for the “right moment.” Small amounts over time win big.
Remember why you started.
Every dollar you save is a vote for your future freedom.

Let’s Be Real

This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being intentional.

It’s about realizing that your income isn’t infinite—and neither is time.

What’s Your Plan?

So tell me—how are you using your paychecks?
Are you building your future or just surviving the present?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Your story might be the wake-up call someone else needs today.

Next Up:
In the next post, I’ll share smart strategies to save on taxes—because keeping more of what you earn is just as powerful as earning more.

Until then, take care of your future self. They’re counting on you.