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Your 30s are critical for setting financial goals and making smart money moves that will impact your future. This decade often brings more stability and clarity about what you want from life, which makes it an ideal time to get intentional with your finances.

Whether you’re focused on career growth, planning for a family, or building wealth, here are three money moves that can help set you up for long-term financial success.

1. Tackle high-interest debt

High-interest debt, especially credit card debt, is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth. When you’re paying 15%, 20%, or even higher interest rates on outstanding balances, it’s hard to make progress toward other financial goals. Prioritizing debt repayment in your 30s can free up money for things that matter to you, like saving for a home, traveling, or investing.

To tackle debt effectively, start by listing all your debts and their interest rates. One popular method is the avalanche method, where you first pay off the debt with the highest interest rate while making minimum payments on other debts. This approach saves the most money on interest in the long run.

Another option to approach debt payoff is the snowball method, where you start by focusing on paying extra toward the smallest debt balance and work your way up, regardless of interest rate. This method provides quicker wins, which can be motivating and help you stay on track. Whichever method you choose, the key is to stay consistent and avoid adding new debt as much as possible.

To make debt repayment easier, consider automating your payments or setting reminders to ensure you never miss one. Additionally, if you have a high credit score, look into the best balance transfer credit cards. Another option is to consolidate your debt with a personal loan.

However, be cautious with these options, as they can come with fees or other requirements that make them less ideal if not managed carefully. If you can manage to pay off your debt during a balance transfer card’s intro period, you’ll save on interest — but if you still have a balance past that point, you’ll be paying interest again.

Freeing yourself from high-interest debt is not only financially rewarding but also emotionally freeing. You’ll be able to shift your focus from paying off past expenses to investing in your future, which can be incredibly empowering as you move forward.

2. Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a financial cushion that protects you against unexpected expenses, from medical emergencies to sudden car repairs or even job loss. Life is unpredictable, and having savings means you can handle unexpected situations without relying on credit cards or high-interest loans.

A good rule of thumb is to save three to six months of living expenses. However, if that goal feels daunting, don’t worry — start small and work your way up. Begin by aiming for one month’s worth of expenses, then slowly increase it. Try automating a small transfer from each paycheck into a separate high-yield savings account, where it can grow with interest over time.

Having an emergency fund provides peace of mind and gives you the freedom to make decisions based on what’s right for you rather than what you can afford in a pinch. For instance, an emergency fund can be your safety net if you’re considering a career change or need to step away from work temporarily. Ultimately, it’s an investment in your stability and peace of mind.

3. Prioritize retirement savings

Retirement might feel like a distant concept in your 30s, but it’s the ideal time to maximize your savings. By starting early, you can take full advantage of compound interest, which grows your money exponentially over time. Plus, investing for retirement now means you’ll have to save less overall compared to waiting until your 40s or 50s.

If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k), aim to contribute enough to capture any employer match that’s offered — it’s essentially free money. Even if you can’t max out your contributions immediately, try to increase the amount you save each year, even by just a small percentage. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, consider setting up an individual retirement account (IRA).

A general guideline for retirement savings is to aim to save 15% of your income. If that feels out of reach, don’t get discouraged. Start with what you can and focus on increasing it gradually over time.

Remember, small contributions made consistently will accumulate significantly thanks to compound growth. And while retirement may feel far away, the decisions you make today can give you more freedom and flexibility down the road.

Why prioritize these moves now?

Your 30s are the perfect time to prioritize these three essential financial moves. By taking action now, you’re creating a solid financial foundation that will support you for decades to come. The journey to financial wellness doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and planning, you’ll be on your way to a more secure and fulfilling future.

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