Why Financial Habits Start Earlier Than You Think

Money stuff used to feel like something adults talked about while kids rolled their eyes and left the room. But fast-forward a few years, and it turns out those early lessons—or the total lack of them—stick with us more than we expect.

Take your first paycheck, for instance. Did you blow it all on sneakers and burgers? Or did someone sit you down and talk about tax, savings, and how not to live on instant noodles by week two? Either way, that early moment probably shaped how you think about money today.

Small Choices Shape Big Outcomes

It’s wild how early habits set the tone. You start with a simple bank account, maybe a savings goal, and suddenly you’re an adult who either tracks every cent or avoids looking at your balance altogether.

The problem is, not everyone gets the same starting line.

Some people are handed financial advice on a platter—parents, mentors, even those random school workshops with free pens. Others are left to figure things out from TikTok and dodgy YouTube videos. One friend of mine once thought “super” was just a weird tax they’d never get back. That same friend now calls me every time their fund sends a letter.

We Don’t All Play The Same Game

There are invisible rules no one tells you about. Tax brackets. Interest on loans. Compound growth. Even the way pay rises or career breaks affect your future finances. And that last one? That hits harder than most people realize.

Especially for women.

There’s a stack of research showing that women often take more time off work—whether it’s for kids, caring for family, or just because they’re pushed out of certain roles. That means fewer years earning, fewer super contributions, and smaller nest eggs later on. If you’ve never looked into the reasons behind the superannuation gender gap, now’s a solid time.

Talk About It More Than Once A Year

Most people only think about money when they’re forced to—tax time, a job change, or some kind of financial panic. But what if it became normal to talk about it more often?

Imagine if birthdays came with financial check-ins. “Congrats on turning 30! Maybe roll your super into one fund?” Or if mates casually asked how your budget app’s going instead of whether you’ve seen the latest dating show.

It’s not about being boring. It’s about not being blindsided.

The Money Myth of Being Young and Carefree

There’s a weird myth floating around that your twenties are for being broke and clueless. As if saving or investing young is somehow missing out. But guess what’s actually fun? Saying yes to a trip because you didn’t blow your rent money on overpriced brunch for six months straight.

Also, knowing what your insurance covers before you break a tooth trying to open a beer bottle. Just saying.

Why Financial Chats Aren’t Just for Couples or Crises

You don’t need to be married or deep in debt to care about your financial future. Even chatting with friends about their savings goals, or whether they’re contributing extra to super, can open your eyes to stuff you’ve never considered.

I once found out about high-interest savings accounts just because a friend was saving for a dog. A dog! That little Frenchie ended up teaching me more about interest rates than any school lesson ever did.

Not Everything Has to Be a Side Hustle

It’s tempting to think you need to be grinding 24/7 to make it financially. Side gigs, investing apps, flipping furniture. But honestly, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is just stop ignoring your current setup.

Are you paying for subscriptions you forgot existed? Is your super fund actually working for you? Have you looked at your bank statements lately and wondered why you spent $84 on delivery food last week?

These questions matter just as much as big, shiny money moves.

Money Isn’t One-size-fits-all

What works for your mate might not work for you. Some people thrive on spreadsheets. Others just want three buckets: spend, save, and never touch. Either way, building confidence around money doesn’t mean you need to become some finance bro with a podcast and 6-step morning routine.

Start small. Pick one thing to sort this month. Then maybe another next month.

If you’re totally new to it all, looking at some beginner personal finance strategies can give you a clearer idea of where to start. No jargon, no pressure, just stuff that actually helps.

And hey, don’t be afraid to ask the so-called “dumb” questions. The only thing worse than asking is staying confused forever.

End with What Matters To You

At the end of the day, money is just a tool. What you do with it is what gives it meaning. Whether it’s freedom to travel, comfort for your future, or just knowing you’re not one flat tire away from disaster—it’s worth paying attention to.

Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Your future self will thank you.