In your 20s, you’re told to dream big, take risks, and “follow your passion.” But what most people fail to tell you? How do you actually manage your money along the way? In Episode 08 of The Adulting Podcast, co-hosts Saurabh and Anshika crack open a raw, relatable, and extremely relevant conversation on money in your 20s. From compounding and convenience spending to building financial discipline and navigating money guilt, this episode is a goldmine for every young adult trying to make sense of personal finance.

Why Money Feels So Hard in Your 20s

Let’s face it, your 20s are full of firsts. First job. First rent. First credit card. And often, your first major money mistake. Add to that the emotional baggage many of us carry around money—like guilt about spending on ourselves or the pressure to “save like our parents”—and the topic becomes even more overwhelming.

This insight sets the tone for a thoughtful and non-judgmental conversation around building better money habits.

1. The Magic of Starting Early: Compounding 101

If there’s one piece of advice that echoes throughout the episode, it’s this: start early. Even if you’re saving a tiny amount, the power of compounding means your money starts working for you sooner.

Saurabh explains it like this: “₹5,000 invested every month at 10% annual return starting at age 22 can become over ₹1 crore by 52. But if you wait till 27 to start? You’ll only have around ₹60 lakhs.”

That’s the power of compounding. It’s not about how much you save—it’s about how soon you begin.

2. Convenience spending is the new enemy

Ordering food. Booking a cab for short distances. Buying a coffee every morning. These may seem like “normal” lifestyle choices, but we don’t realise that they eat into your financial growth.

Try a quick self-check: Look at your last 5 purchases. How many were needs, and how many were just convenience?

These micro-expenses feel harmless day to day, but they snowball over time. We must audit our spending, not from a place of guilt, but from a place of awareness.

3. Save vs. Invest: Why You Need to Know the Difference

Confusing your savings with investment is a common trap that most young people fall into these days.Just because your money is sitting in a savings account doesn’t mean it’s growing.

• Saving = Keeping money aside for short-term use (emergencies, goals under 2 years)
  
• Investing = Growing money over time to beat inflation (stocks, mutual funds, SIPs)
  

And if you’re afraid of investing? Start small. Start with understanding. 

4. Your Network is a Financial Asset

Money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about relationships too. The episode introduces a powerful mindset shift: treat your relationships like assets.

From mentors to friends who hold you accountable, building a strong network can accelerate both personal and financial growth.

Saurabh suggests creating a mastermind group—a space to discuss goals, habits, and money decisions. “It’s easier to show up for your money goals when you’re not doing it alone.”

5. Learning from Financial Mistakes (Without the Shame)

Both hosts openly share past money blunders—from overspending on impulse buys to skipping insurance. But instead of brushing it under the rug, they suggest turning mistakes into financial lessons.

Top tip from the episode:
“Every rupee you’ve misused has taught you something. Use that as data, not drama.”

That shift in perspective helps listeners let go of shame and start making confident, informed decisions.

6. Guilt, Gratitude, and Emotional Spending

Ever felt guilty for spending on yourself? Or hesitated to invest in your growth?

You’re not alone. The episode tackles the deep emotional relationship many of us have with money. Whether it’s childhood conditioning or social comparison, money guilt is real, and it’s holding many of us back.Instead, the hosts suggest building a practice of money gratitude. Track your income, expenses, and growth—not just to “budget better,” but to remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Enjoyed this episode? You might also like:

Why People Skills Will Make or Break Your Career in 2025 – The Adulting Podcast Ep. 07

TL;DR – Money Advice for Your 20s

• Start saving and investing early to use the power of compounding.
  
• Audit convenience spending—it’s often the biggest drain.
  
• Know the difference between saving and investing.
  
• Build a network that supports financial conversations.
  
• Learn from financial mistakes without guilt.
  

Build an emotionally safe relationship with your money.

SEE MORE LIKE THIS

If you like/love/hate what you see, write to us at @akforthevibe and @saurabh