In Business World Ever looked back and thought, “If only I’d done that sooner…”? When it comes to money, timing can make a big difference. Whether it’s an investment you hesitated on, a savings habit you delayed, or a budget you never quite stuck to, most of us have a financial “what if” moment or two.
It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the boat — especially when you scroll past stories of people who jumped on the right trend at the right time. Just look at the latest crypto news and you’ll find plenty of examples where a few smart moves led to massive wins. But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to start making better decisions. And these three are worth putting into action — even if you wish you’d done it 12 months ago.
Table of Contents
1. Automating Your Savings
It sounds simple — and that’s because it is. Automating your savings is one of the easiest ways to build wealth without constantly thinking about it. The key? Treat your savings like a bill. Schedule an automatic transfer to a separate account every payday, before you’ve had the chance to spend it.
Even $50 a week adds up. Over a year, that’s $2,600 — plus whatever interest or returns you might earn along the way.
Why it matters:
- It removes the temptation to spend what you meant to save.
- It builds consistency without relying on willpower.
- It’s a step towards emergency funds, home deposits, or other big goals.
Bonus tip: Set up multiple savings buckets — one for short-term spending, one for emergencies, one for long-term goals.
2. Getting Clear on Where Your Money Actually Goes
Most people think they know how they spend their money. But once you track it properly, you’re often in for a surprise. That $5 coffee habit? That weekly takeaway splurge? It adds up fast.
If you’d spent a few hours a year ago tracking your expenses and fine-tuning your budget, you could’ve uncovered hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars in unnecessary spending.
Start by doing this:
- Look over the last three months of bank and credit card statements.
- Categorise every expense — rent, groceries, eating out, subscriptions, etc.
- Use that info to create a realistic budget, not a fantasy one.
There are plenty of free apps that can help automate this process. Or if you prefer pen and paper, a simple spreadsheet will do just fine.
3. Investing Consistently — Even Just a Little
You don’t need to predict the next big thing to invest wisely. In fact, trying to time the market is one of the biggest mistakes new investors make. What works better? Consistency. Putting a small amount into a diversified portfolio on a regular basis, rain or shine.
Whether you’re into ETFs, shares, or even dipping your toe into crypto (with a clear plan and realistic expectations), the most important thing is getting started. A year ago, if you’d set up a basic investment plan and stuck with it, you’d be in a stronger position today — no matter what the markets did in the short term.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid chasing hype. Research before jumping on trends.
- Focus on long-term growth, not overnight gains.
- Understand your risk tolerance before committing.
And if you’re curious about emerging spaces like crypto? Follow reliable updates and insights — not just the buzz. Sites that cover latest crypto news can help you stay informed without falling for hype-driven decisions.
If you’re kicking yourself for not making these moves sooner, don’t stress. What matters is that you start now. In a year, your future self will be glad you did. Because when it comes to money, the best time to start was yesterday — but the second-best time is today.