Gen Z must have these skills for a healthy and independent financial future. Living in the digital era does provide convenience in accessing information and making various transactions. However, this convenience also brings new challenges.
Many of Gen Z are unknowingly trapped in a consumptive lifestyle due to exposure to social media, ease of cashless transactions, and online shopping trends. To stay financially sane in the midst of digital flows, let’s recognize five important financial skills that you must master from now on.
Gen Z Must Have This Skill
1. Set a Budget with Discipline
The first skill that is really important to master is budgeting. Gen Z must have this skill so that they can clearly know their income and expenses every month. Without a budget, it’s easy to get caught up in impulsive spending. In the end, your new salary is gone in a few days.
Budgeting makes you more aware of where your money goes and can help you prioritize important needs first. It doesn’t need to be complicated, you can start by recording your daily expenses on your cell phone notepad or using a financial application. Divide your money into several posts such as basic needs, entertainment, savings, and emergency.
2. Save Regularly, Even from Small Amounts
Saving is the foundation of healthy finances. Unfortunately, many find it difficult to save because of small salaries or large expenses. In fact, Gen Z must have this skill as a form of financial responsibility towards themselves. Saving doesn’t have to be big right away. Starting from just Rp10,000 is enough to build a positive habit.
Especially now that there are many platforms like Treasury that make it easy for you to save through digital gold. You can set aside money automatically every week or month. Saving doesn’t feel hard, but you can enjoy the results in the future when you really need it.
3. Wisely Manage Debt and Installments
Nowadays, the ease of credit and paylater makes us often unconsciously trapped in debt. Small installments from various platforms when added up can be a big burden, you know. Gen Z must have this skill to distinguish between healthy and consumptive debt. Productive debt such as for business capital or education is still okay, as long as it is within the ability to pay.
Before taking an installment, first ask yourself if you really need it or is it just a momentary desire? Also, calculate the debt-to-income ratio. Ideally, installments should be no more than 30% of your monthly income. If you understand how to manage debt, life will be calmer without being charged here and there.
4. Have Basic Investment Knowledge
Learning investment now is not as difficult as it used to be. Many free educational resources such as videos, articles, and online courses can help you understand the basics of investing. Starting from the definition of risk, types of instruments such as gold, mutual funds, to stocks, everything can be learned gradually according to your needs and abilities.
If you just save money without investing, your money can lose to inflation. That’s why Gen Z must have these skills to help their money grow through appropriate instruments. You don’t have to go straight to high-risk stocks or cryptos, you can start with digital gold or money market mutual funds that are relatively safe and easy to understand.
The important thing is not to rush into a decision. Start with a small amount while getting used to understanding how investing works. With enough knowledge, you can choose an instrument that suits your goals and risk profile. The earlier you learn, the greater the chance of building a stable financial future.
5. Be Prepared with an Emergency Fund
Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Accidents, job loss, or sudden medical needs can come without permission. Hence, Gen Z must have this skill so that they don’t get overwhelmed when an emergency comes. Emergency funds can be a savior that keeps you stable even when conditions are not ideal.
Store emergency funds in a place that is easily accessible, but not too tempting to take. One of them is through digital gold such as in the Treasury application. With the Jamimas feature, you can withdraw gold temporarily and redeem it when the funds are available. So, you still have control without having to lose assets.
Improve Finances With Digital Gold Investment at Treasury
Managing finances and investing early is no longer an option, but has become a necessity in the digital era like now. In the midst of various opportunities and challenges, having a financial understanding is an important provision to face the future.
That’s why it’s no surprise that Gen Z must have this skill as the main foundation for an independent life. One easy and safe way to start learning is through digital gold investment at Treasury.
Let’s take the first step today for a healthier financial tomorrow!