Which money habit do you wish you had started at twenty?

[Paul_26]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially with money. Most of us look back at our twenties and wince at a few decisions, from expensive nights out to impulse purchases and ignored bank statements. Small habits started early can make a huge difference over a lifetime. So which one do you wish you had picked up sooner?

I am keeping this to everyday money habits rather than investment tips or advice about specific products. Things like budgeting, saving a little each month, checking bank statements, avoiding store cards or keeping an emergency fund. Some people wish they had learned to cook, which saves a fortune on takeaways. Others wish they had stopped trying to keep up with friends who earned more. Small habits compound over the years

My own answer is keeping a simple emergency fund. In my twenties, every unexpected bill, like a car repair or a broken boiler, went straight onto a credit card. It took years to clear the debt that built up that way. A few hundred pounds set aside would have saved me a lot of stress and interest

Please share your own habit, and if you have started it now, how it is going. Younger members might pick up something useful from the replies. None of this is professional financial advice, just experience shared between friends

Which money habit do you wish you had started at twenty?

[TomTiz]

Cooking at home. Takeaways and meal deals ate a huge chunk of my wages. Learning ten simple recipes would have saved thousands

Batch cooking on Sundays changed everything for me. Lunches sorted for the week, and far healthier too. My waistline thanks me too