💸 10 MONEY TIPS I WISH I KNEW IN MY 20’s & 30’s

I want to share 10 real, honest money tips I wish someone had told me earlier - the exact things I would tell my younger self (and now, you!).

Hey friend,

Let’s be honest - if you’ve been adulting for a while, haven’t you ever wondered “why didn’t they teach us this stuff in school?! ” Like seriously, why wasn’t “How to Handle Your Money 101” a proper subject alongside algebra and literature?

I remember stepping into my first job with so much excitement… and zero clue what to do with my salary. Budgeting? Investing? Saving? Those words sounded fancy, but no one told me how to actually do any of it.

Let’s talk like friends. 💬

1. Educate Yourself - Financial Literacy Is Non-Negotiable

Here’s the tea: No one is coming to save you financially. The truth is, if you don’t take time to learn about money, you’ll likely spend years mismanaging it and wondering where it all went.

Start with books, podcasts, YouTube channels, budget planners - anything to grow your financial knowledge. Don’t just copy what your friend is doing. Learn what works for you. And please, let’s stop choosing endless entertainment over meaningful education. Your future self will thank you for choosing a 30-minute finance podcast over scrolling TikTok.

2. Know Where Your Money Is Going

We hustle hard - waking up early, battling traffic, putting in long hours. So why do we give so little attention to where our money ends up?

Track your spending - Use an app, a notebook, or even a spreadsheet. Write down what’s going into food, entertainment, grooming, subscriptions - everything. Yes, it’s uncomfortable at first. But being aware is the first step to taking control.

Because if you don’t tell your money where to go, it’ll disappear and leave you wondering what happened.

3. Live Below Your Means (Yes, Really)

Listen - no one became wealthy by spending everything they earned.

It’s not about depriving yourself. It’s about being smart. Start differentiating between needs (rent, food, healthcare) and wants (that fourth pair of sneakers, latest phone, random impulse buys).

Practicing delayed gratification is a grown-up superpower. Want a new laptop? Start a sinking fund. Want to travel? Save up. Just because it’s not in your hands now doesn’t mean you’ll never have it.

And please remember: the goal is to be wealthy , not just look wealthy . Designer labels and flashy gadgets mean nothing if your bank account is crying.

4. Stay Out of Bad Debt

If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. Period.

Not all debt is bad - yes, there’s good debt (like a business loan or mortgage).
But consumer debt? That’s the sneaky kind that keeps you broke. Taking loans to fund your lifestyle or cover everyday expenses is a red flag 🚩 .

Already in debt? You’re not alone. Just don’t ignore it. Start with a plan and work your way out, step by step.

5. Pay Yourself First

This was a game-changer for me: The moment your money lands, save and invest a portion of it before doing anything else.

Even when I earned KES 20,000 at my first job, I put KES 1,000 into a Sacco and another KES 1,000 into a money market fund. I carried lunch to work and adjusted my life around the rest. When my income grew, my savings grew too - not my lifestyle .

The habit of paying yourself first will stick with you forever. Start now, with what you have.

6. Start Planning for Retirement Today

This one hits hard: there’s a loan for almost everything - except retirement.

And guess what? NSSF won’t be enough . Most of us underestimate how much we’ll need in retirement - and overestimate how long we have. Planning now gives you freedom later.

Think of retirement not as an age, but a number. It’s the amount you need to live comfortably without depending on anyone. Start small if you must, but start. Your 60-year-old self will be forever grateful.

7. Understand Taxes (Yes, You Really Should)

If you’re earning money, you’re paying taxes - whether it’s salary, business income, or from investments.

Learn the basics: how PAYE works, what taxes apply to side gigs, how investments are taxed, and what tax deductions you might be missing out on. Even if you hire an accountant, don’t go in clueless. It’s your money - you need to understand what’s happening.

8. Guard Your Health - It’s Your Real Wealth

Real talk: many families go bankrupt because of unexpected medical emergencies.

Health insurance is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. NHIF is a great start, but consider private insurance as well, especially for inpatient coverage. A few thousand bob a month can protect years of hard-earned savings.

And of course, take care of your body. What you eat, how you sleep, how you move - it all matters. Your future finances are directly tied to your current health habits.

9. Work With a Financial Coach or Advisor

You don’t have to figure everything out alone.

Financial planning can be overwhelming. A good coach or advisor will help you set goals, create a plan, and stay accountable. They’ll guide you on things like retirement, insurance, passive income, and family financial planning.

Invest in advice the same way you’d invest in a Netflix subscription or concert ticket. The returns are way better.

10. Have Fun With Your Money - By Changing Your Money Mindset

Saving isn’t punishment. Budgeting isn’t boring. Investing isn’t only for “money people.”

When you start viewing these habits as a reward system - as ways to love and protect your future self - everything changes. You’ll begin to enjoy the process, celebrate your small wins, and feel empowered instead of restricted.

The mindset shift is everything.

Final Thoughts 💬

Friend, these tips aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress - learning, adjusting, and building a life where your money works for you.

If I could go back and tell my 22-year-old self anything, it would be this: Start now. Even if it’s small. The journey is worth it.

Now go out there, take control of your finances, and build a future you’re proud of.

We’re here to walk with you - step by step. At Set Free Capital , we’re a team of financial planners, advisors and counselors. We’re here to help you align your money life with purpose, peace, and progress.

So here's your call to action:

• We have free resources for members
• We have budgeting tools , classes, and templates
• We host training sessions and community events.
• Membership is only KES 1,500 and unlocks so much value

Let this year be different. Let it be the year you finally take charge of your finances - not alone, but with a community that cares.

Want to Go Further, Faster? Join the Kingdom Finance Family!

If you’re ready to take your savings and investment journey to the next level, we’ve got something just for you.

For a one-time membership fee of only Ksh 1,500 , you get lifetime access to a treasure chest of resources - some completely FREE - including our powerful Kingdom Finance eBook that breaks down everything you need to know about building wealth God's way.

But that’s not all...

You also become part of our vibrant online community - a safe, encouraging space where we:

• Share real-time investment tips
• Alert you to new and rising opportunities
• Celebrate wins together
• Grow our financial knowledge side-by-side
• And yes... hold each other accountable like a true success squad

This isn’t just a membership it’s about fulfilling the call of God to finance His work.

"Less talk. More action. More growth. Am cheering you on - let’s build wealth, together. "

Faith Muoti, Financial Peer Educator