Your 30s are a pivotal decade. It’s when the carefree days of early adulthood give way to a period of greater responsibility and introspection. Many are at the peak of their careers, while others might be experiencing a mid-career crisis. Family responsibilities increase, and the reality of future planning hits home. It’s a time when your relationship with money matures, just like you do.
Here’s how that change manifests in several key areas:
1. Term Life Insurance Becomes a Priority
When you’re younger, you might not think much about life insurance. But in your 30s, when family members start depending on you, the prospect of unexpected loss becomes real. Whether it’s the sudden passing of a relative or a friend, these life events serve as a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. Term life insurance offers a safety net, ensuring that your loved ones are protected financially in case of an unexpected event. Plus, the earlier you secure it, the more affordable the premiums. It’s more than just an insurance policy—it’s a message to your family that you’re looking out for them. Some go a step further and make a will, clearly outlining how their assets will be distributed or donated after they’re gone.
2. You’re Cautious About Depreciating Assets
Remember when buying a new car was the ultimate status symbol? In your 30s, you realize that some assets start losing value the moment you acquire them. Buying a home or a car can be costly, and maintaining them isn’t cheap. You’ve likely taken on debt at least once by now, and the pressure of monthly EMIs can weigh heavily. With the availability of rental properties and ride-sharing services, the need to own depreciating assets isn’t as compelling as it once was. Meanwhile, the opportunity cost of tying up significant capital in a car or home versus investing in wealth-compounding options like mutual funds becomes apparent.
3. Risk Appetite Normalises
In your 20s, you might have been more willing to take risks. But by the time you’re in your 30s, stability becomes more appealing. You’ve worked hard to accumulate some wealth, and you want to protect it. That means doing more research before investing, seeking second opinions, and steering clear of “get rich quick” schemes. You spend time balancing possible risks and have contingency plans in place. This shift in mindset leads to a more diversified portfolio, with many opting to add stable assets like government bonds or debt funds alongside equities.
4. Battling Inflation on All Fronts
Inflation is not just a 5-6% concern. As you advance in your career and life, you encounter the “inflation bosses.” Food prices are just the start, representing a small portion of your monthly budget. The real challenge comes from housing, education, and travel. Real estate prices can jump 20-30% due to new developments like a mall or metro station. Education costs rise 10-15% yearly. Travel expenses also climb, with flights and hotels becoming increasingly costly. To fight back, you adjust your spending habits—relocating to more affordable areas, choosing trains over flights, cooking at home, and hunting for online sales.
Read: Hedge your Portfolio with Commodities during Inflation
5. Passive Income Pursuit
By mid-career, you may face layoffs, downsizing, or forced exits, giving you a harsh reality check. You realize that relying solely on a salaried job is risky, and upskilling is crucial. To create stability, you seek passive income sources. This could mean part-time gigs, freelancing, or consulting. If you have expertise, you might find opportunities to share it for a fee. Investment vehicles like Gold, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and high-dividend stocks catch your attention, providing more security against job market uncertainties.
6. Planning for Retirement
Private sector jobs rarely guarantee long-term employment, unlike the public sector jobs that many of our parents had. For those in their 30s, retirement planning becomes more pressing, as career stability in the private sector can be unpredictable. You start considering how much money you’ll need to retire and when that might be. Your investment portfolio starts to include government retirement schemes like the National Pension System (NPS) and the Public Provident Fund (PPF), as well as diversified equities through ETFs and mutual funds. You become more disciplined with spending, saving more for emergencies and reducing reliance on credit.
Understand: Best Retirement Planning Strategies
7. Buying Time with Money
In your 30s, time is one of your most valuable assets. Your job, family, and personal interests all compete for it, leading you to prioritize ways to save time, even if it means spending a bit more. Services like food and grocery delivery can become a worthwhile investment, as can rideshares like Uber and Ola to avoid lengthy commutes. Living closer to work, school, or leisure activities also becomes appealing. Hiring experts—like financial advisors, nutritionists, or travel planners—can save you hours of research and stress, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
