Let’s Talk About the Trap You Don’t See
If you’re between 20 and 35 and still broke, you’re not alone. But staying broke isn’t just “part of life”, it’s a trap. A quiet one that tightens slowly, year after year. Most people never notice it until they’ve lost a decade.
You might be working hard, but if your mindset, money habits, and financial strategy are broken, you’ll always feel like you’re running in place.
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| Poverty isn’t just about money—it’s the emotional burden of feeling stuck with no way out. |
The good news? You can break free. And the sooner you start, the better your odds.
1. Stop Waiting for “Later”
Your 20s and 30s don’t come with a pause button. It’s easy to believe you’ve got time, but these years are when your decisions echo the loudest—financially and personally.
Forget big leaps—just get moving. Even putting away $5 a week now can outgrow someone who starts later with more.
Picture this: You’re standing on a hill with a snowball. Roll it now, and by 40, it's massive. Wait too long, and the snow’s melted.
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| "Don’t let time slip away—every year you wait, you lose financial power." |
2. Learn a Skill That Pays You Back.
Degrees are optional. Skills that solve problems? Non-negotiable.
Don’t overthink it. Pick one thing people already pay for, and get good at it. That could be:
- Editing short-form videos for creators
- Writing emails that help businesses sell
- Fixing websites that frustrate users
You don’t need to master everything. Just become valuable at one thing—and the internet will find a way to pay you.
Discover how others have built wealth without formal education in How to Get Rich Without a University Degree. What you need is value. And value comes from skills.
3. Start Small, Start Scrappy
You don’t need a brand. You don’t need an LLC. You just need to start.
A girl I know started translating menus for local restaurants. $25 a pop. A year later, she was helping food delivery apps expand into new markets.
Your side hustle doesn’t need to be pretty—it just needs to pay. If you’ve got a skill, a phone, and some Wi-Fi, you’re in business.
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| "Your side hustle might be the bridge from broke to financial freedom." |
4. Get Control of Your Spending
No, budgeting doesn’t mean never having fun. It means respecting your money.
If $100 burns a hole in your pocket, $10,000 will feel like wildfire. Discipline scales—it doesn’t magically appear with more digits.
Track your income. Set limits. Cut deadweight expenses. Build habits that support your future, not just your weekend.
Pro Tip: Try a method like the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/investments.
5. Surround Yourself with Growth, Not Drama
If your crew laughs at investing but argues about who’s buying rounds tonight, it’s time for a new crew.
Who you listen to at lunch will echo in your bank account. Your circle isn’t just social—it’s financial, too.
Choose:
- Podcasts about money & business
- Books on mindset (Start with The Psychology of Money)
- Friends who challenge you to grow
Sometimes, being the "odd one out" is what helps you break through.
6. Play the Long Game (Even If It’s Boring)
Fast money feels good, but slow money sticks around. That’s the stuff that builds freedom.
This doesn’t mean you don’t earn today. But it means you put some aside—for investments, savings, or even business ventures.
Look into assets like:
- Real estate
- Long-term stocks
- Blogs or online brands
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| Real wealth doesn’t shout. It stacks—quietly, month by month. |
7. Take the First Step—Even If You’re Not Ready
“Ready” is a myth. No one feels ready when they start—just ask anyone who made it.
If you wait for the stars to align, you’ll still be stuck next year. Send the email. Make the account. Watch the tutorial.
Do something today that your future self would thank you for.
Final Thoughts
Being broke at 20 isn’t failure—it’s normal. But being broke at 35 because you never tried? That’s on you.
If this spoke to you, don’t sit on it. Take action, even if it’s small. Your future depends on the choices you make today.
Check out What School Never Taught You About Money if you want to go deeper.