They say age is just a number, and while that may be true for many things, it certainly plays a role in how we approach our money.
Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s each come with different financial priorities, and if you know what to focus on in each season, you’ll not only grow older, you’ll grow wealthy.
Whether you’re based in Nigeria or in the diaspora, here’s a simple age-by-age guide to help you invest wisely and intentionally.
In Your 20s: Plant the Seeds
This is the decade for foundational moves. Instead of worrying too much about accumulating wealth quickly, concentrate on learning and establishing the foundation.
Invest in financial literacy: books, courses, and mentors who challenge your mindset.
Explore the stock market . Start small with mutual funds or ETFs.
Start a side hustle or mini business—it builds discipline and sharpens entrepreneurial thinking.
Build soft and tech skills that can earn you global income—graphic design, digital marketing, coding, data analytics, etc.
Every wise investment you make now—no matter how small—will yield compound results later.
In Your 30s: Build and Scale
You’ve planted seeds; now it’s time to water and grow them. This is the season for structure, strategy, and scaling.
Double down on your business or career. Negotiate better pay. Upgrade your skill set.
Start your real estate journey—buy land, join a cooperative, or invest in fractional property schemes.
Buy life insurance, especially if you’re married or have children. Begin consistent pension contributions.
Start diversifying your investments: stocks, agri-investments, REITs, and even diaspora bonds.
Create a family financial plan—set up education funds and track household income and expenses.
The goal here is simple: build assets that outgrow your liabilities.
In Your 40s: Grow with Intention
This is your best earning decade, but it can be stressful if you don’t plan.
Automate savings and bump up investment contributions.
Take calculated risks—consider business expansion, flipping property, or investing in high-performing assets.
Prioritise health: gym memberships, wellness checks, and preventive care are all worthwhile investments.
Build global income streams through remote consulting, licensing intellectual property, or digital products.
Start preparing your legacy tools—write your will, set up trusts, and get proper estate planning advice.
Think in terms of structure, sustainability, and succession.
In Your 50s: Preserve and Grow
At this stage, it’s about securing the wealth you’ve built and preparing for the transition to a softer, more intentional life.
Focus on income-generating investments: dividend-paying stocks, rentals, and annuities.
Please review your retirement savings and pensions to ensure they align with the lifestyle you envision.
Create automated systems in your business. Start pulling back from daily operations.
Invest in your spouse’s and children’s financial intelligence—set up proper succession, equip them with tools, not just titles.
Begin mentoring. Your experience is a treasure. Teach and guide the next generation.
This age is the phase where safety meets significance.
In Your 60s and Beyond: Enjoy and Empower
This is the era where money should work harder than you ever did.
Shift to low-risk, stable assets: bonds, treasury bills, fixed-income portfolios.
Travel, explore, and enjoy—you’ve earned it. Guilt-free.
Support causes you believe in: give back to your community, fund scholarships, and build churches or schools.
Consider setting up a family foundation or a legacy project.
Most importantly, rest. Be present. Live softly and intentionally.
You didn’t hustle in vain—now’s the time to enjoy the fruit of your labour while leaving a lasting impact.
