Smart Money Moves to Make in Your 30s
Your 30s mark a pivotal decade—personally, professionally, and financially. For many people, this is when careers start gaining momentum, relationships become more serious, and major life decisions (like homebuying or starting a family) begin to take shape. With all these transitions, it’s critical to make sure your financial foundation is solid and growing with you.
If your 20s were about establishing good habits, your 30s are about leveling up. Here are the top three money moves to make in your 30s to set yourself up for long-term financial success.
1. Level Up Your Retirement Contributions
If you followed our advice in your 20s, you hopefully started putting away 10% of your income toward retirement. That’s a great start—but now it’s time to bump it up. In your 30s, your goal should be to increase your retirement contributions to 15% of your income. This total can include any employer matching contributions you receive, so take full advantage of workplace retirement plans like a 401(k) or 403(b). If you don’t have an employer-sponsored plan, consider an individual retirement account (IRA) at your local credit union to meet your savings goals.
Why the increase? The power of compounding interest makes saving in your 30s incredibly impactful. The earlier you invest, the more time your money has to grow. Ideally, by your early 30s, you should aim to have the equivalent of one year’s salary saved for retirement. This may sound ambitious, but with consistent saving, and by making use of employer matches and investment gains, it’s a very achievable milestone.
If 15% feels like too much right now, increase your contribution by 1% each year until you reach it. Many plans let you set this increase up automatically, making it easier to stay on track without constantly revisiting your budget.
2. Get on the Same Page with Your Partner About Money
For many, the 30s are when relationships get more serious—whether that means moving in together, getting married, or starting a family. Money plays a big role in all of these changes, and the key to financial harmony is open communication.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing money with a partner. The real secret? Agree on a plan. Some couples merge everything into joint accounts, others keep things completely separate, and many land somewhere in between with a “yours, mine, and ours” setup. All of these options can work as long as you and your partner are on the same page.
Set aside time to talk about money regularly. Discuss how bills will be paid, who is responsible for what, and how shared financial goals (like vacations, a home, or children) will be funded. Talking about money isn’t always easy, but avoiding the topic can lead to bigger problems down the road. Clarity and teamwork go a long way in building financial security together. For more strategies for communicating with your partner about money, check out Town & Country’s blog post about combining finances.
3. Start Saving for a Home—Strategically
If buying a home is on your radar during your 30s, one of the most important steps you can take is to start saving early and with intention.
Open a separate savings account dedicated exclusively to your future down payment. A high-yield savings account or a money market is a great option because it earns more interest than a standard savings account while keeping your money accessible.
Once the account is set up, automate your savings. Even a modest amount contributed on a regular basis (say, every payday) adds up quickly. By keeping this money separate from your general savings or checking account, you’re less likely to dip into it for everyday expenses. This “out of sight, out of mind” strategy makes it easier to stay committed.
Keep in mind that most mortgage lenders will expect you to have 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price saved for a down payment. Planning ahead and saving gradually allows you to reach your goal without going into debt or dipping into retirement savings prematurely. At Town & Country, we know how important and overwhelming this process can be. Browse our Mortgage Center to learn about the different options we have available, or to have one of our lenders show you the ropes.
Bonus Tip: Keep Building Your Financial Confidence
While these are the three big priorities, your 30s are also a great time to revisit your budget, review your insurance coverage, and think about your longer-term financial goals. Life will continue to evolve, and so should your financial strategy.
Whether you’re saving for retirement, buying a house, or building a life with a partner, small, consistent steps now will pay big dividends in the decades to come. Your future self will thank you.
