Financial wisdom often comes from years of experience and lessons learned. This article presents timeless finance tips that have stood the test of time, shared by seasoned professionals. Discover practical advice that can help shape your financial future, regardless of where you are in your career journey.
- Pay Yourself First for Financial Freedom
- Budget Like a Human Not a Machine
- Live Below Your Means for Future Success
- Spend Only What You Have Earned
- Consistently Save in Tax-Advantaged Accounts
- Prioritize Value Over Cost in Purchases
- Track Small Expenses for Big Savings
- Maintain an Emergency Fund for Flexibility
- Reinvest in Your Business for Growth
- Invest in What You Understand
- Analyze Impulse Purchases for Better Choices
- Factor Inflation into Career Decisions
- Watch the Pennies to Save Dollars
- Explore Smarter Ways to Earn Money
Pay Yourself First for Financial Freedom
One personal finance tip I received early in my career that’s still serving me well today is “Pay yourself first.”
At first, it just sounded like a cliché that financial experts throw around, but once I started living by it, everything changed. Instead of saving whatever was left over after bills, expenses, and random spending, I reversed the process. The moment money came in, I ensured that a portion went straight into savings, investments, or towards my goals, before I touched anything else.
That one habit taught me discipline, but more importantly, it gave me freedom. It meant I wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck, and I stopped feeling guilty every time I spent money, because I knew I’d already taken care of my future self. It gave me room to breathe, to take risks in my career, invest in myself, and even take breaks when I needed to reset. I’ve been able to fund travel, launch businesses, and handle emergencies without spiraling, all because I made saving automatic and non-negotiable.
It’s not about how much you save at first; it’s about building the habit and treating your goals as if they matter just as much as your rent. This tip helped me build confidence, peace of mind, and real control over my money. I’d give the same advice to anyone starting out: don’t wait until you earn more. Start now, even with a little. Your future self will thank you loud and clear.
Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte
Self-Care, Financial Wellness, Mindfulness & Resilience Advocate, Pheel Pretty
Budget Like a Human Not a Machine
“Don’t budget like a machine—budget like someone who’s going to get tired, tempted, and maybe even a little reckless.”
That was the advice I got from a mentor when I was 23, just starting out in a high-pressure startup job. At the time, I thought budgeting was a numbers game: income minus expenses equals success. I had spreadsheets, color-coded categories, and a guilt complex every time I ordered takeout.
But that advice—budgeting with human behavior in mind—completely rewired how I thought about money. The truth is, most people don’t overspend because they don’t know how math works. They overspend because they’re stressed, bored, celebrating, burned out, or trying to keep up with someone else’s highlight reel.
So instead of treating my budget like a machine, I started treating it like a living thing. I built in “failure cushions”—tiny, guilt-free pockets of money meant for slip-ups or last-minute indulgences. I created a “joy line item,” where even if everything was tight, there was always room for one random, totally unnecessary thing that just made life feel better. And when I hit goals? I celebrated, on purpose—because deprivation isn’t sustainable, and momentum is.
That mindset has stuck with me for over a decade. It’s helped me stay financially stable without resenting my budget or constantly feeling like I’m falling short. It also made me more empathetic when helping others with money—because numbers are easy, but behavior? That’s where the real work (and the real breakthroughs) happen.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening(dot)com
Live Below Your Means for Future Success
Fresh out of college and starting my first professional job, my father gave me advice that fundamentally changed my financial trajectory:
“Live well below your means for twice as long as you think necessary.”
While simple, this principle has guided nearly every financial decision I’ve made since.
When my peers were upgrading to luxury apartments after their first promotions, I stayed in my modest studio. Instead of leasing a new car to “look successful,” I used public transportation. Rather than filling my closet with designer clothes to impress colleagues, I invested in a few quality pieces that lasted years.
I took the difference between what I earned and what I spent—which grew as my income increased—and split it between emergency savings, retirement accounts, and long-term investments. While this meant saying “no” to weekend trips and expensive dinners, it created a financial buffer that proved invaluable.
Two years into my career, when an unexpected acquisition led to layoffs among my colleagues, I had enough savings to remain calm and selective about my next move instead of taking the first available position. This financial breathing room allowed me to wait for an opportunity that actually advanced my career rather than just paying bills.
The discipline of living below my means also prepared me for the leap into entrepreneurship when I eventually launched my own business. While peers who had matched their spending to their income needed outside funding (giving away equity and control), I could bootstrap through the critical early phase.
For young professionals starting today, I recommend:
1. Automate your savings before you can spend them
2. Question whether status purchases truly align with your long-term goals
3. Build skills and relationships that increase your earning potential rather than possessions that depreciate
4. Create a personal financial runway that gives you freedom to make decisions based on opportunity, not necessity
The most valuable asset in your early career isn’t what you own—it’s the optionality created by financial stability. When you’re not living paycheck to paycheck, you can take calculated risks, pursue additional education, or pivot to more fulfilling work.
Living well below my means wasn’t always comfortable, but the peace of mind and freedom it provided have been worth every sacrificed luxury. True financial security isn’t about how much you make—it’s about the gap between what you make and what you spend.
Jonathan Straus
Portfolio Manager, Commons Capital
Spend Only What You Have Earned
Growing up, I was taught to spend only what I made or earned. In other words, wait to spend your money until it was “in hand” or in your bank account.
As my career progressed, I didn’t always put that wisdom into practice and created several financial nightmares for myself and my family. At one point, I was scrambling to find income to cover my out-of-control spending.
Now that I have dug out from under my self-imposed mess, I hold true to what I was taught growing up. It makes my financial decisions simpler and less stressful.
I still have a plan for my money but hold off spending every dollar until I can see it in front of me.
Julian Kohlbrand
Certified Financial Coach & Podcast Host, Jewlz The Budget Nerd
Consistently Save in Tax-Advantaged Accounts
The best financial advice I received early in my career was simple but powerful: save early, save consistently, and prioritize tax-advantaged accounts.
This principle became the cornerstone of my financial discipline. Rather than chasing market trends or trying to time investments, I focused on building a strong savings habit. Contributing regularly to retirement accounts and other tax-efficient vehicles gave my money the opportunity to grow quietly in the background. Over time, this approach not only created financial security but also instilled a long-term mindset, reminding me that wealth isn’t built by reacting to short-term volatility but by making thoughtful, consistent decisions year after year.
Josh Stubbolo
Financial Advisor & Managing Partner, Family Legacy Financial Solutions, LLC
Prioritize Value Over Cost in Purchases
Reflecting on my early career, one personal finance tip I received that has stood the test of time is to prioritize value over cost. Like most young adults handling their own finances for the first time, the temptation to choose the cheapest options was hard to resist. At the time, I felt like I was saving money. That perspective shifted when a former mentor questioned one of my purchases by simply asking, “How long do you think that will last?” after I proudly shared a discounted handbag I had found. That conversation helped me realize that smart spending isn’t about the lowest price, but about the lasting value of the purchase.
Since then, my perspective on purchasing has shifted. Before buying anything, I research and compare options for their functionality and consider whether the item will provide meaningful value over time. This mindset has helped me make better decisions—whether it’s investing in quality clothing that lasts for years, durable household items, or evaluating whether subscriptions and services meet my long-term personal needs.
Higher upfront spending may be daunting at first, but over time, buying fewer but higher-quality items has saved me more money, reduced clutter, and made me an intentional buyer. Selecting quality items has brought gains in durability, long-term benefits, and peace of mind, which in turn has boosted my confidence and provided a greater sense of satisfaction. It has guided me toward sustainable spending that supports both my long-term and short-term goals.
Rose Jimenez
Chief Finance Officer, Culture(dot)org
Track Small Expenses for Big Savings
During my early days in the workforce, someone once pointed out the value of tracking small, recurring expenses rather than obsessing over big-ticket items. At first, I dismissed it, thinking the occasional coffee or app subscription couldn’t possibly matter. But curiosity got the better of me, and I started jotting down every little outflow for a month.
The result was eye-opening. I discovered that the daily conveniences I barely noticed were quietly draining my account more than any single purchase. That realization nudged me to create a “quiet leaks” budget, where I set a monthly cap for these tiny indulgences. It wasn’t about cutting out all pleasures, but about being intentional.
This approach has stuck with me ever since. By keeping an eye on the subtle, repeated costs, I’ve been able to redirect funds toward things that truly matter to me, like travel or investing in skills. It’s a habit I recommend to anyone who feels like their money disappeared without explanation. Sometimes, the smallest leaks make the biggest difference.
Volen Vulkov
Co-Founder, Enhancv
Maintain an Emergency Fund for Flexibility
One personal finance tip that has stuck with me since my early days is the importance of maintaining an emergency fund – it was something my manager at BMW emphasized during my time there. I remember being skeptical at first, thinking it was just another corporate talking point, but it actually made a huge difference when I made the jump to N26. Having that financial cushion allowed me to take calculated risks that ultimately led me to where I am today at Spectup.
The rule of thumb we use here is to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses set aside – it’s not just about weathering financial storms, but also about having the freedom to make strategic decisions without being constrained by immediate financial pressures. This approach has influenced my financial decisions in two main ways: it helps me stay calm during market volatility and gives me the confidence to invest in opportunities that align with our company’s long-term vision. When you’re backed by a solid financial safety net, you can focus on growth rather than just survival – it’s been a game-changer for both my personal finances and Spectup’s financial strategy.
Niclas Schlopsna
Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup
Reinvest in Your Business for Growth
When I first started out in landscaping, one piece of financial advice that really stuck with me was to always reinvest in the business, especially in the early years. At the time, I wasn’t sure how much to spend on tools, marketing, or training, but my father, who had his own fertilization business for over 30 years, stressed the importance of constantly improving. It wasn’t just about keeping the books balanced; it was about positioning the business for long-term growth. I took that advice to heart, investing in better equipment, expanding service offerings, and ensuring that my team was trained to provide the highest quality lawn care possible.
This mindset shaped the way I approach financial decisions today. Every time I look at an opportunity – whether it’s upgrading equipment, enhancing customer service, or trying a new lawn care technique – I think back to that advice. It’s all about building a foundation that will pay off in the long run. With TurfPRO, we focus on sustainable growth, keeping costs manageable while always striving to improve our service to homeowners. It’s allowed us to offer better lawn care and fertilization treatments without constantly raising prices, which ultimately builds trust with our customers.
The key benefit of this approach is that it also allows us to pass on savings to customers. For example, we’ve been able to implement more efficient fertilization techniques that not only help lawns thrive but also reduce chemical usage. Our clients notice the difference, especially in the way their lawns stay healthy and green with less maintenance. Their satisfaction with our work is proof that a steady reinvestment in quality can lead to meaningful, long-term results.
Looking back, I realize that focusing on the long-term value rather than short-term profits has been instrumental in TurfPRO’s success. It’s not just about making the business profitable now, but about setting it up for sustainable success in the future. Every decision I make has that goal in mind, from the tools we use to the way we manage customer relationships.
Francis Daniels
Founder & CEO | Turfpro, Turf Pro
Invest in What You Understand
Early in my career, a mentor told me, “Invest in what you understand, and that includes yourself.” At the time, I thought it was just about avoiding risky stocks or flashy ventures. But as I built my career in physical therapy and later founded Rehab2Wellness, I realized it was a philosophy that applied to every aspect of my life, including financial wellness.
When I launched Rehab2Wellness, I didn’t have endless resources, but I knew the power of putting your money into something meaningful. That mindset shaped every decision, from choosing quality equipment over shortcuts to hiring a team who shared my belief in holistic healing. I invested in people, education, and systems I understood deeply, because I’d lived through the challenges they were built to solve: chronic pain, burnout, and the emotional toll of limited mobility.
This approach didn’t just influence my finances; it protected them. Our programs aren’t about quick fixes—they’re about sustainable health. That’s how we work with clients, too. Whether someone is recovering from surgery or just wants to move without pain, we help them invest in their future health in a way that makes sense for their life.
Trusting what you know, especially your values, turns out to be the best financial plan there is. And just like in wellness, it’s the steady, consistent choices that create lasting change.
Paul Roscioli
Chiropractic Physician, Owner, Main Line Disc
Analyze Impulse Purchases for Better Choices
In my first year out of college, someone suggested I write down every impulse purchase I made, no matter how small or silly. I remember jotting down things like a late-night snack from a vending machine or a novelty mug I picked up on a whim. At first, it felt tedious and a little embarrassing, but after a month, I was shocked at how quickly the list grew.
What stood out was not the amount I was spending, but the patterns behind those purchases. I noticed that most of my impulsive buys happened when I was stressed or tired.
That realization changed how I approached spending. Instead of just trying to cut back, I started asking myself what I actually needed in those moments. Sometimes it was just a break or a walk outside, not another coffee.
It taught me that awareness, not restriction, was the key to making better choices. Now, whenever I feel the urge to buy something on a whim, I pause and check in with myself first. That habit has saved me more money over the years than any strict budget ever could.
Silvia Angeloro
Executive Coach, Resume Mentor
Factor Inflation into Career Decisions
I come from a very large family, whose members have all worked in the investment banking industry. At the age of 20, after receiving a very large tip as a golf caddy, a senior executive on Wall Street gave me this financial advice:
“That 100 dollars I gave you today is going to be worth 70 dollars in three years. Never be satisfied with the money you make today. Not many people factor in inflation when choosing their careers.”
Admittedly, his advice scared me at first. Initially, I went through some years in my career denying it was true. I was young.
But that all changed when I turned 30 years old, and the two jobs I was holding down in NYC no longer covered the rent, food, and doctor visits.
When I first went into startups, I kept that advice in mind, “That dollar today is 80 cents next year!”
I have always leveled up my salary, no matter where I went. I took a course on salary negotiation. If there was an offer on the table from a company, I used inflation calculators just to see what that paycheck would look like in five years.
I also moved away from New York City for a brief time to save money. I would go to locations with lower taxes. For example, I moved to Richmond, Virginia in 2019, and stayed there until 2022. It was a move that allowed me to save thousands of dollars on taxes and cost of living expenses.
Overall, I have forged a career path, always trying to stay one step ahead of inflation.
Steven Lowell
Sr. Reverse Recruiter & Career Coach, Find My Profession
Watch the Pennies to Save Dollars
The best personal financial tip I’ve received, which has stood the test of time, is a quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Watch the pennies and the dollars will follow.” This tip reminds me to be conscious of the small purchases (that stinking $8 Starbucks drink, which isn’t so small after all), and the compounding savings will result in many more dollars in my wallet in the long run. But you need to be diligent to pursue a prudent lifestyle, one that rewards you richly with financial stability and security.
Kieran Wong
Financial Advisor, Prosperitas Financial
Explore Smarter Ways to Earn Money
“There are easier ways to make money.”
I was told this when complaining about my first career in healthcare to a successful business owner. It was not said with arrogance, nor did it imply that laziness would be rewarded. It was meant to open my eyes to working smarter, not harder.
I was selling my time with a limited earning upside, so I explored different business models where I could leverage income growth to something other than time.
It led me down the path of a major career change and a successful business venture in finance – a field completely unrelated to healthcare.
There have been businesses as well as business ideas that have come and go since. When I perform any due diligence or analysis of a business proposal, I always consider whether I am working smarter as opposed to harder.
Mark Nolan
Mortgage Broker, marknols(dot)com
