So you’re in your early 20s—maybe fresh out of school, maybe figuring out your first real job, maybe still deciding what “real job” even means. And somewhere along the way, someone drops the dreaded question: “How much money should you have saved by 30?” Like there’s some golden number you’re supposed to hit by then or else… what, financial doom?

Let’s slow down for a second.

The 30-Year-Old Deadline That’s Not Really a Deadline

There’s this weird cultural milestone around turning 30—especially when it comes to money. It’s like a checkpoint. People expect you to have a certain salary, a 401(k), a condo (lol), maybe even a wedding registry. And when you’re 22 and eating reheated noodles at 2 AM, 30 feels like both forever away and scarily close.

But here’s the truth: that number on the birthday cake doesn’t come with a financial report card. You don’t “fail” life if you haven’t hit some arbitrary savings goal. What actually matters is building habits now that’ll make your future self thank you—whether you're sitting in a penthouse or a studio with personality.

What Does “Enough Money” Even Mean?

Let’s unpack the word “enough” because it’s slippery. Are we talking about savings in your bank account? Investments? Owning a house? Having zero debt? Enough to quit your job and move to Portugal?

Everyone’s “enough” looks different. Maybe you’re helping your family with bills. Maybe you're juggling student loans. Maybe you're freelancing and figuring it out month by month. You’re not behind. You’re living your own timeline—and that’s okay.

That 1x Salary Rule (Yeah, That One)

You've probably heard this one: By 30, you should have saved 1x your annual salary. It’s one of those personal finance “rules” that floats around LinkedIn posts and guilt-trip articles.

It’s not totally off-base—it’s a helpful benchmark, sure. But it was built with a very specific life path in mind: steady job by 22, low debt, affordable housing, and no curveballs. Raise your hand if that’s you. No one? Thought so.

Use it as a general nudge, not a hard rule.

Real Talk: What Do Most 30-Year-Olds Actually Have?

Let’s put numbers to it. According to Fidelity, the average 30-year-old has around $20,000 saved—but a median savings (what most people actually have) is closer to $7,000 or less. And many people have negative net worth thanks to student loans or credit card debt.

And that’s with six-figure college costs, rising rents, and the not-so-small fact that wages haven’t kept up with inflation. So if your savings account is looking more like a puddle than a pool right now? You’re not alone.

What Actually Matters by 30

Forget flashy numbers for a sec. If you’re in your 20s, here’s what’s way more important than hitting some magical savings target:

• Emergency Fund: Three to six months of expenses is the dream. But even $1,000 puts you ahead of a lot of people.

• Debt Plan: Don’t worry if you’re still paying off loans. Just have a strategy—refinancing, snowball method, whatever works.

• Saving Automatically: Set up auto-transfers. Even $25 a week builds up over time.

• Start Retirement (Yes, Already): Compound interest is real magic. A Roth IRA with $50 a month now is better than $500 a month starting at 30.

Start Small. Start Now. Keep Going.

Here’s how you can start building a solid foundation in your early 20s:

• Live Below Your Means: You don’t have to go full monk mode. Just don’t spend like you already have the salary you want.

• Build Credit Early: Use a credit card, but pay it off monthly. Your 30-year-old self will thank you when you want a loan.

• Avoid Lifestyle Creep: Just because you got a raise doesn’t mean you need new shoes, new phone, new car. Save the difference.

• Track Net Worth, Not Just Savings: Look at your full picture—assets, debts, everything. That’s your real financial health.

So, How Much Should You Have?

Here’s the thing: there’s no right number. Your savings by 30 should reflect your values, your goals, and your starting line.

Some people will have $50K saved. Some will have $500 and a side hustle that’s growing. Both are on their way somewhere. That’s the part that matters.

Don’t Count Dollars, Count Direction

If you’re reading this and stressing that you’re “behind,” take a breath. You’re not behind. You’re building.

Your 20s are for making mistakes, testing jobs, moving cities, maybe even switching careers a couple times. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out. What you do want? Progress. Habits. Momentum.

Start now, adjust as you go, and remember: you’re not chasing a number. You’re building a life.