We\u2019ve all made money mistakes, and I\u2019m definitely no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me share one of mine from my twenties, back when I was living in New York City and still figuring out adulthood, relationships, and money in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, I was dating someone who was struggling financially. He was behind on bills and eventually asked me to loan him thousands of dollars to help him get back on his feet. When he first asked, I hesitated. Something in my gut told me to slow down and think it through.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But instead of listening to that feeling, guilt took over. I didn\u2019t want to seem unsupportive. I didn\u2019t want to be \u201cthat girl.\u201d And eventually, I said yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the part that matters most: Not my friends. Why? Because deep down, I knew it wasn\u2019t a smart financial move, and I was embarrassed. I felt ashamed that I had ignored my better judgment, and I didn\u2019t want anyone questioning my choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few weeks later, the weight of it all finally caught up to me. I called my dad and explained what had happened. He listened quietly, then said something I still remember to this day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSarah, why didn\u2019t you talk to me before making this decision? I would have stopped you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He was right. And, spoiler alert: I was never repaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That experience taught me an expensive but invaluable lesson. One I wish I\u2019d learned sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel the need to hide a financial decision from the people you trust and respect most, that means you’re making the wrong choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So let me ask you this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there anything financial happening in your life right now that you\u2019re avoiding talking about? Here\u2019s the truth: everyone makes money mistakes,<\/strong> especially in their twenties. What matters most isn\u2019t avoiding every mistake, it\u2019s learning how to recognize them early and knowing when to ask for help.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Talking openly with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you gain perspective and prevent a small misstep from turning into a long-term setback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to be more proactive about your finances and avoid some of the most common money mistakes young adults make, I created a free resource called \u201c8 Money Mistakes to Fix in Your Twenties.\u201d<\/strong> It breaks down common financial missteps, like not asking for guidance, ignoring debt, or avoiding money conversations, and offers simple, practical steps you can take right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I didn\u2019t tell anyone about the decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not my family.
Not even my parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A credit card balance?
A purchase you regret?
A financial favor you agreed to out of pressure or guilt?<\/p>\n\n\n\n