JoshFinancial stability isn’t something reserved for the Baby Boomers. Despite a shaky economy and rising cost of living, there are plenty of millennials who are not only financially stable, but who are highly successful. What are the secrets of these young and wealthy individuals? They were gracious enough to share a few for those of us who might be a little less financially literate than they are.
1. Track Your Net Worth
This isn’t something that most millennials do, but according to financial blogger J. Money, it’s the best place to start if you want to take control of your finances. “It only takes a matter of minutes, and it’s the one thing you can do right now to give yourself a clearer snapshot of your finances,” said J. Money. “As a bonus, it’ll also give you a surge of confidence knowing where all your money is and naturally help you make smarter decisions throughout the days as well — full well knowing it’ll be reflected in the next month’s update.”
2. Make More Money
Isn’t that something everyone wants? But according to money expert Stefanie O’Connell, it is something within everybody’s reach—if you’re willing to go for it. “More than education, job title, employer or experience, how much money you make is dictated by you,” she said. She encourages others to take control of their own earning potential by constantly renegotiating your salary, and always working to improve your knowledge and skills so that you can command a higher rate. By doing so, you can “bust through any perceived constraints on your income and command that salary that serves your goals and dreams best,” as Stefanie put it.
3. Automate Your Savings
When successful marketer John Rampton was seriously injured at a construction site during college, he was bedridden for months. But he turned that injury into an opportunity and taught himself online marketing while on bedrest. He’s now a major marketing influencer and self-made millionaire.
His top financial tip: “Set a savings and investment amount for each week and have it automatically put away,” he said. “What you can’t see, you won’t spend.”
4. Always Check In with Your Finances
Author of the popular financial website The Penny Hoarder, Kyle Taylor aims to make personal finance fun and accessible for the millennial generation. He dealt with crushing student debt himself, and came out on top, so you know that his advice comes from a place of experience. His best financial tip is to stay on top of your finances with regular check-ins to ensure you’re staying on track.
“Date yourself,” said Taylor. “Set up quarterly check-ins to review your finances. If you don’t get real with yourself, you can’t get started on building a great financial future.”
5. Look at the Results
CEO of Consulting.com and business consultant Sam Ovens has built himself a business empire – by teaching others his secrets to building a successful consulting firm. His advice has helped many people to find the way to financial independence. But his big financial tip isn’t really about the money, as much as it is the impact your financial independence can have on your life.
“One thing I’ve learned is that the money is great but the real life impacts are what matter the most. Many of my clients have been able to move to other countries, propose to their wives, care for their families, and other things like that because of what my advice has done for them and their businesses. To me that’s what matters the most, making sure that we can look after ourselves and the people we care about.”
So amid the strain of saving money, making money, and paying off your debts, remember the reason you’re doing it. It’s not about having money in the bank; it’s about being able to live the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. Keep that perspective, and the rest will come much more easily.