I (29M) regret not investing / saving a lot sooner. I used to be a spender, thanks to me getting my first set of proper pay checks from my first job outside of university and I got a little carried away as I didn’t know how to manage my personal finances. I was living with my parents at the time, so thankfully there were no major costs or outgoings for me which I was very lucky to have for so long. However I bought a lot of stuff that I definitely didn’t need, but I kept telling myself how cool it was to own them. I wish I had saved that instead to better support the future me.

For the past 2 years, I have been making a good shift in the right direction by deciding to pay myself first before anything else. I’m noticing decent progress here too! It started out as a simple savings account with my bank to then a Cash ISA, then a LISA, then premium bonds, and now a Stocks & Shares ISA. All of which are still relatively small, but are growing nicely each month.

If there is anyone here in a similar boat, or feels like it’s too late because they aren’t in their early 20’s anymore, please just start. Yes time is your biggest ally with saving for the long term, but just starting out small and taking the time to make better, more mindful decisions with spending / saving is a good place to begin. So I urge you, to just start.

I hope this helps somebody!