Money at 22 is not the same as money at 42. Yet so many people carry the same financial habits through life—budgeting (or not), spending, saving—without adjusting to new goals, risks, and opportunities. The result? Missed chances, wasted time, and costly mistakes that could’ve been avoided.

Julie Guntrip, head of financial wellness at Jenius Bank, put it bluntly: “Financial education is a lifelong journey, not a one-time crash course.” And her advice shows that what works in your 20s won’t cut it in your 30s, and what’s smart in your 30s won’t be enough in your 40s.

So, what’s the move? Here’s the decade-by-decade playbook:

Your 20s: Learn the Game and Build Confidence
Your 20s are about survival mode and setup. Guntrip says the biggest hurdle is confidence—too many young adults get overwhelmed by financial jargon and end up doing nothing. Instead of falling for TikTok hacks or “get rich quick” promises, this is the time to master the basics:

• Track income and expenses with a real budget (not just mental math).
• Start saving something, even if it’s small—compound interest needs time to work its magic.
• Open a Roth IRA if you qualify.
• Pay your bills on time to build credit intentionally.
• Set up an emergency fund so one bad month doesn’t wreck you.
   

Your 30s: Define Your Money Values
By the time you hit your 30s, your financial decisions should start aligning with bigger life goals. Guntrip says this is the decade to “stop the comparison game and start finding your own path.” That means:

• Paying down lingering debt strategically.
• Thinking about homeownership (and learning what mortgages really cost).
• Planning for family expenses while still growing investments.
• Making your money choices reflect your values—not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.
   

Your 40s and Beyond: Protect and Grow
At this stage, wealth-building shifts toward wealth-preserving. Guntrip highlights two main priorities: security and family. That means:

• Retirement planning should dominate your money moves—calculate what you’ll actually need, not just what you hope will be enough.
• Consider education funds if you have kids.
• Look at legal and financial protections to safeguard assets in case of emergencies.
• Shift from just saving to investing—explore opportunities beyond retirement accounts while balancing risk vs. reward.
   

The bottom line? Financial literacy isn’t a one-time download—it evolves with you. Whether you’re just starting out, leveling up, or locking things down, the smartest move is to adapt your strategy to your stage of life. Or as Guntrip puts it: “It’s never too late to build stronger money habits.”