What are the most important financial moves to make in your 20s?

The financial decisions made in your 20s have outsized lifetime impact due to compounding. In rough order of priority: (1) Build a $1,000 starter emergency fund. (2) Contribute at least enough to your 401(k) to capture the full employer match — that is a 50–100% instant return. (3) Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards, private student loans above 7%). (4) Build your emergency fund to 3–6 months of expenses. (5) Open and maximize a Roth IRA ($7,000/year in 2025) — your income is likely to be lower now than in peak earning years, making the Roth tax-free growth extremely valuable. (6) Avoid lifestyle creep as your income grows. (7) Invest in your earning potential — education, certifications, or skills that increase your income compound just like financial capital.