It's never too early: why young people are leading the financial revolution

Millennials used to get a bad wrap. The image was of young people blowing all their money on avocado toast, expensive coffee, and impulsive purchases. The reality is that these days many of those millennials are already in their 40s, and they’re far from financially irresponsible.

In fact we've noticed a significant shift in recent months, with more and more people in their 30s and 40s actively seeking financial guidance and asking the crucial question: "What should I be doing with my money?"

We recently had a 40-year-old tattoo artist reach out, for example, asking about investment options and long-term financial planning. This perfectly illustrates what we're seeing across the board – millennials are coming of age financially, and they're taking it seriously. The question we hear most often is: "Is it ever too early to start investing?"

The answer is a resounding no.

It's not just about retirement

Here's the thing - don't think of financial planning as "retirement planning". That word makes it feel distant and irrelevant to your current life. This isn't about some far-off future when you're 65 - it's about reaching a point in your life when you're financially independent, when you have choices and freedom.

But how do you get there? Instead, think of saving like your gym membership. You might go to the gym regularly because you know it's good for your long-term health. You don't start lifting the heaviest weights from day one and expect a 6-pack, you start gradually and keep going regularly in order to get results over time.

The same principle applies to your financial health. Small, regular contributions add up. A manageable monthly commitment toward your financial future is an investment in yourself that pays dividends far beyond any gym session.

Breaking down the barriers

Traditional financial advisory services often require substantial minimum investments or net worth thresholds that can seem insurmountable to younger professionals.

But here's where the landscape is changing. Rather than waiting until you can afford the traditional model, there are ways to start building good financial habits with smaller, more manageable monthly commitments.

Consider this: we recently welcomed a young professional couple where one partner works as a financial director. Their current savings might only be £20,000 – not a fortune by traditional advisory standards. But here's what we see that others might miss: this person will likely become a wealthy individual within the next decade. Even a monthly commitment of £40 represents the beginning of a lifelong relationship built on trust and consistent growth.

The power of starting early

Every financial expert will tell you the same thing: time is your greatest asset when it comes to investing. The difference between starting at 25 versus 35 isn't just ten years – it's potentially thousands of pounds in compound growth.

When young professionals ask us about getting started, we don't just see their current financial position. We see their potential. We see career progression, salary increases, life milestones, and inheritance planning. We see clients for life.

The real value in starting early isn't just about the money – it's about building the habit of prioritising your financial future. When you treat financial planning like any other essential monthly expense, it becomes part of your routine rather than a burden.

Young people today understand this instinctively

They're willing to invest in subscription services for entertainment, fitness, and professional development. Financial planning should be viewed through the same lens – as an essential service that improves your quality of life over time.

Good financial habits look like this:

• Consistent monthly contributions rather than sporadic large amounts

• Regular reviews to adjust strategies as life circumstances change

• Long-term thinking that adapts to career growth and life changes

• Professional guidance that grows with your financial complexity

Whether you're a 25-year-old starting your first job or a 40-year-old tattoo artist reassessing your financial future, the message is the same: it's never too early to start, and it's never too late to course-correct.

The young professionals reaching out to us aren't looking for get-rich-quick schemes or complex investment strategies they don't understand. They're looking for practical, affordable ways to build wealth over time while maintaining the lifestyle they want today.

If you're in your 30s or 40s and wondering whether it's worth starting your financial planning journey now, remember: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.

Your future self will thank you for starting now, even if it's with a modest monthly commitment. After all, every wealthy person started exactly where you are – with the decision to prioritise their financial future and take that first step.

Please get in touch with us for a no obligation chat if you’d like to find out more.