Millennials are Sharing the Money Advice they Wish They Knew Sooner – Gen-Z Listen Up!

Zara Choudhry -

Let's have a heart-to-heart about something we all adore – the dazzling realm of dough, moolah, cold hard cash. Yes, indeed, we're talking about money today. 💰

Just as we all have our individual style statements, we've got out own unique approach to handling our finances.

From the secret saving hacks to insightful investment strategies learnt through years of trial and error, everyone's got their unique money tales to tell.

Well, we just couldn't resist playing detective! We gathered a bunch of insight from the generations above us to spill the financial beans.

Over to you, Gen X and Millennials! 👀

1."The Golden Rule: Shop with the cash you truly own."

Oh, the allure of that new dress or the tempting cute purse, whispering sweet nothings from the store window!

We've all dabbled in the dangerous dance with our overdraft, for buys that, let's be honest, weren't exactly 'essentials'.

But, the wisdom we're spilling here is all about spending money that's truly ours.

Remember, that the overdraft pennies are not our shopping buddies - they're fairy tale figures, pretending to be our disposable income!

2."Implement 24-Hour Wait Rules!"


You know those purchases that aren't about life or death?

Impulse shopping is our shared guilty pleasure (the stats don't lie, people!). We've all been drawn in by that rush of adrenaline that makes our wallets weep.

Here's a chic hack: impose a 24-hour wait rule on those impromptu buys. Often, after a day, our desire for the item fades, and so does the dent in our finances.

3."If you can't buy two of it, you can't afford one of it"

Yup – The "Double or Nothing" Rule.

Here's a reality check, folks: if your wallet winces at the idea of buying two of whatever you're looking at, you probably can't really afford one.

This quick tip ensures that our shopping dreams don't morph into financial misadventures. So remember, if the double price tag gives you a double take, it's a good sign to take a step back!

4. "Build Your Emergency Fund ASAP."


Alright folks, let's chat about that friend we often forget (or want to forget) - the emergency fund. 💰

You know, that sweet safety net that swoops in to save the day when the going gets tough? It's high time we get serious about building this fund.

Let's start by setting a minimum target, say £1,000, to kickstart our financial superhero. After all, nothing spells 'peace of mind' like knowing you've got a stash of cash ready to tackle those unexpected curveballs life loves to throw our way!

5. "Create Your Monthly Budget at Payday! 🎉


Let's talk real. When payday rolls in, what's your first instinct? Celebrate with a shopping spree? Book that spontaneous weekend getaway?

Before you start making it rain, let's remember one word - budget. Yes – it sounds about as fun as folding laundry, but trust us, it's your ultimate life hack.

Sit down, fire up that budgeting app (or old-school spreadsheet, if that's your thing, no shame here) and lay out your month's expenses. After all, who wants to be caught off guard when the latest Yeezys drop? Not us! 🙌

6. Get Yourself in the Club (Cards) and Win Big! 🎁


Heads up, pals. If you're not already riding the club and rewards cards wave, you're missing out on some major money-saving magic.

It's time to RSVP 'Yes!' to those little pieces of plastic that supermarkets, coffee shops, and even your fave online stores are dishing out. Why? 'Cause they're your fast-pass to serious savings, exclusive deals and even freebies.

Start signing up, and start making every penny work smarter, not harder. 💰

7. Give Your Savings to Someone you Trust. 🤝

We all have those moments when our savings account looks like a tempting snack, especially when our wants are shouting louder than our needs.

To curb this, consider giving your savings to someone you trust - like a parent, an older sibling, or even stashing it in a separate bank account you don't regularly check.

Out of sight, out of mind, right?

This way, your future self will high-five you for having a healthy savings account, and your present self can focus on enjoying life within your budget.


8. Level Up Your Money Mindset

It sounds basic but your relationship with money is kind of a big deal. So why not give it the TLC it deserves?

Start by diving into the sea of knowledge that is financial literature. We're talking Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki - the money-management guys. These aren't your usual snooze-fest textbooks, they're goldmines of advice that can truly shake up your financial world.

Experiment with the tips that resonate with you, and watch as your money game levels up! Because remember, money isn't just about what's in your wallet, it's about what's in your head. 🧠💰📚

Dave Ramsey Book

9. The Art of Giving: The Secret to Wealth 💫

Of course we can't share any of this advice without talking about how giving money can actually increase your wealth. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But hear us out.

As Muslims, we believe charity never diminishes wealth. Instead, it adds barakah (blessings) to it.

The beauty of this concept? It's not just about numbers in a bank account, but the value, prosperity, and goodness that money can bring. It's about nurturing a giving heart and experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes with it.

Whether it's a regular donation to a cause you love, or helping out a friend in a pinch, embrace the act of giving. You might just find that your wealth isn't just increasing in figures, but in happiness, satisfaction, and blessings too. 💖

10. "There's Food at Home" - The Adulting Anthem, amirite? 🏡🍲

We're about to hit you with the ultimate adulting advice that's as old as time but still rings true.

You know when you're out and about, and the aroma from that fancy restaurant or the sight of a trendy café tempts you? Your heart says 'yes', but your wallet...not so much.

Think about it - it's not just about the joy of home-cooked meals (or reheated leftovers, we don't judge!). It's also about the art of resisting temptation and saving some serious cash.

11. Bank App Phobia? It's Time to Conquer It.

You know, that heart-fluttering, sweat-inducing moment when you're about to open your banking app? Yeah, that's 'Bank App Phobia', and it's time we kicked it to the curb.

Knowing your financial situation, as scary as it can be, is step one to becoming money-savvy. It's all about awareness - knowing where your cash is going, understanding your spending habits, and spotting any sneaky, unnecessary expenses.

So, muster up the courage, folks! Tap on that app. Peek at your balance. Be in the know. After all, knowledge is power - and in this case, it's the power to control your cash, instead of letting it control you.

12. Beware of the Sneaky Little Spends! 🧐

Did that cheeky Amazon Prime 'one-click' buy happen because you just couldn't wait? Well, turns out, these are the silent wallet warriors that can pack a punch!

While they might seem harmless on their own, these little spends can accumulate quicker than likes on a viral TikTok video.

Over time, they can end up being the most expensive transactions you make. So, next time you're about to hit 'buy now', pause and consider if it's worth the spend. Sometimes, patience and prudence are the best saving strategies.

And with that, we've come full circle. Happy saving, smart spending, and here's to figuring the art of money management together!

Until next time, friends...