Expert-Approved Investment Advice For Your 20s, 30s & 40s

£50k

“Financial planning helps turn complex decisions into clear, confident action that enables life’s milestones and the moments in between. Each stage of life comes with unique financial goals, whether that’s planning a wedding or honeymoon, welcoming a first child, buying a home, funding a renovation, supporting children through education, enjoying a dream holiday, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. Understanding how these moments connect is key to building long-term confidence and security. While the best financial advice should be tailored to individual circumstances and goals, there are some universal good practices. At this stage, make sure you are enrolled in your workplace pension. Starting early can significantly boost long-term outcomes thanks to compound growth and employer contributions.” – Nikki Zammit, founder & director at Realise Wealth Management  

“The priority at this stage is stability and consistency. Build an emergency fund in an easy-access savings account, then prioritise a workplace pension. Growing your income takes priority over maximising investment returns.” – Sophia Bhatti, CEO, Wimbledon Wealth 

“I agree: the focus should be on the basics. For example, you should focus on an emergency fund, stable savings and simple investments like ETFs that track the global market, pension funds with a higher equity allocation and smaller investments that deliver the best returns. Crypto or risky investments can be a part of the equation; however, I would advise that they are only a small part of the portfolio. They should be there more for learning than for quick profit.” – Anna Baluch, insurance & finance expert at BestMoney  

“In your 20s, the most valuable asset is flexibility. I’d prioritise building a strong cash buffer, low-cost and low-risk global equity funds and focusing on skills or experiences that will increase future earning power.” – Fei Chen, founder & CEO of Intellectia.AI, former managing director at Citigroup & Morgan Stanley research analyst 

£100k

“Even in your 20s, if you’re in this income bracket, then there is already room for structure. Along with ETFs and a pension, it makes sense to consider individual stocks, REIT funds, or even buying a first property. Just don’t raise your lifestyle too quickly. The most common mistake in this group is that income grows faster than common sense.” – Anna  

“It is important to maximise pension contributions where possible and use a stocks & shares ISA for tax-free growth and flexibility. The main risk is spending beyond your means and drifting into the additional rate tax trap without proper planning.” – Sophia  

“With higher income, I’d still keep things simple: max out tax-efficient wrappers, stay equity-heavy and avoid locking money away too early. Flexibility matters more than optimisation in your 20s.” – Fei 

£100k+

“In your 20s with this level of income, the most important thing is not to pretend that you’ve already made it. Diversification is key – your investments should reflect a combination of capital markets, real estate, private investments and long-term savings. At this stage, it’s also possible to start thinking about tax optimisation.” – Anna  

“High earners in their 20s can accelerate quickly. Pensions, ISAs and general investment accounts all play a role. Investing in global stocks remains central, with modest exposure to property or alternative asset classes.” – Sophia  

“Review your tax-efficient savings and investment options, and start defining longer-term goals such as property ownership.” – Nikki   

£50k

“Costs such as housing, family and childcare make balance critical at this stage. Keep pension contributions steady and maintain healthy and accessible cash reserves. Invest in diversified funds and add some bonds for stability. It is important to avoid overstretching on property or pausing retirement savings to fund lavish lifestyles.” – Sophia  

“Balance savings with rising costs by reviewing budgets regularly, and protecting income with appropriate insurance. You should also be looking to increase pension contributions where possible.” – Nikki  

“This is when structure really starts to matter. I’d focus on automating investing, building pension momentum and protecting against downside, not by being conservative but by being consistent.” – Fei 

£100k

“With this level of income, I’d advise planning strategically for major milestones such as buying or upgrading a home, starting a family or managing childcare costs, while keeping other ‘return’ investments aligned to your own timeline.” – Nikki  

“This is where structured wealth building begins. Pension contributions become increasingly valuable due to higher marginal tax rates, alongside ISA investing.” – Sophia 

“At this income, tax efficiency becomes as important as returns. ISAs, pensions and disciplined asset allocation will often outperform more ‘exciting’ strategies, especially in the long-term.” – Fei 

£100k+

“Flexibility and tax planning still matter more than returns. Pension tapering, ISAs and spousal planning become important at this stage. Also, portfolios should start to diversify across equities, property and selective alternatives.” – Sophia  

“This is where people can afford to make mistakes, but should aim not to. I’d still anchor everything around diversified assets but might introduce selectively riskier investments via something like private markets, but with clear limits.” – Fei 

“If you have children, it’s worth remembering that strategic pension contributions can reduce your income below £100k so you can still unlock full childcare benefits.” – Nikki  

£50k

“By age 55, one in four women have been out of work for more than five years, potentially creating a £70,000 shortfall at retirement, according to Scottish Widows. So, take proactive steps to review your retirement plan: keep pension contributions on track, update nominated beneficiaries and confirm you’re on the right investment pathway rather than a default de-risking option.” – Nikki  

“At this point, it’s all about security. I would focus on bonds and stable funds. Please do not forget about defining a clear retirement strategy. Every move should have a purpose because you do not have the luxury of time to make mistakes.” – Anna  

“I agree that the time to recover from mistakes is shorter, so focus on pension catch-up and reliable cash buffers. Shift towards balanced portfolios with less volatility and avoid high-fee products.” – Sophia  

“The priority shifts from growth at all costs to resilience. I’d focus on clarity – knowing what you actually need your money to do – rather than chasing returns this late in the game.” – Fei 

£100k

“I only have one word for you: balance. Still invest – but with a clear exit plan. Real estate and dividends play a bigger role at this stage. It is important to have liquidity or, in other words, a sense that cash is accessible rather than chasing maximum returns.” – Anna  

“Retirement planning becomes central. Use pensions and cash strategically to manage future tax and income. Dividend-paying equities and bonds play a larger role. Balancing risk now matters more than maximising growth.” – Sophia  

“You still want growth but also predictability. Reducing unnecessary complexity often improves outcomes more than adding new products at this stage.” – Fei 

“Assess whether your investments still reflect your goals and risk tolerance, and factor in future expenses such as education costs or care responsibilities.” – Nikki  

£100k+

“By now, at this level, you should be in control. It’s not the time to prove yourself. You should preserve wealth, pass on value and finally enjoy the freedom.” – Anna  

“Focus on refining your long-term strategy, including tax planning, estate considerations and defining what financial independence and retirement will look like for you.” – Nikki  

“Wealth is about control, income and legacy. Estate planning, pension access strategy and inheritance tax mitigation all come into focus. Portfolios should favour income-producing assets, property with professional management and careful use of alternative assets.” – Sophia  

“At higher incomes, the biggest risk is fragmentation because of too many products and too many strategies. Simplifying, stress-testing plans and aligning money with lifestyle goals is where the real value lies.” – Fei 

For more information visit REALISEWEALTHMANAGEMENT.COM, WIMBLEDONWEALTH.COM, BESTMONEY.COM & INTELLECTIA.AI 

*DISCLAIMER: Anything written by SheerLuxe is not intended to constitute financial advice. The views expressed in this article reflect the opinions of the individuals, not the company. Always consult with an independent financial advisor or expert before making an investment or personal finance decisions. Remember, the value of your investments can go up as well as down.