Money

5 money habits that can help you build wealth before 35

Valerian Khakayi 30th June, 2026 05:50 PM

For many Gen Z and millennials in Kenya, building wealth can feel like an impossible goal.

The rising cost of living, high unemployment, expensive rent and constant pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle on social media have made saving and investing more challenging than ever.

Yet financial experts agree that wealth is rarely built overnight. It is often the result of small, consistent habits practised over many years.

Whether you are employed, self-employed or juggling side hustles, adopting the right money habits early can put you on a stronger financial path before you turn 35.

Here are five habits worth developing.

1. Pay yourself first

Many people wait to see what is left after paying bills before saving. The problem is that there is often nothing left.

Instead, make saving the first expense every time you receive your salary or income.

Even setting aside 10 to 20 per cent consistently can make a significant difference over time. Automating your savings can also help remove the temptation to spend the money.

A hand drops a coin into a glass jar labeled savings, with stacks of coins placed beside it on a wooden table. PHOTO/ChatGPT/David Nthua — A hand drops a coin into a glass jar labeled savings, with stacks of coins placed beside it on a wooden table.

2. Live below your means, not above your image

Social media has made it easy to compare lifestyles. It can be tempting to upgrade your phone every year, finance an expensive car or spend heavily on weekends just to keep up with friends.

Living below your means does not mean denying yourself happiness. It simply means making spending decisions based on your income and long-term goals rather than trying to impress other people.

Financial freedom often looks less glamorous than social media would have you believe.

3. Build more than one source of income

Many young Kenyans are no longer relying on one paycheque. Freelancing, online businesses, farming, content creation and small investments are becoming important additional income streams.

A side hustle does not have to make millions. Even a modest extra income can help you save faster, clear debt or invest for the future while reducing your dependence on a single employer.

A lady doing content creation by selling items online as a side hustle. PHOTO/Gemini — A lady doing content creation by selling items online as a side hustle.

4. Invest in knowledge before chasing quick money

Get-rich-quick schemes continue to trap many young people with promises of instant wealth.

Instead of looking for shortcuts, invest time in learning about budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship and digital skills. The more valuable your skills become, the greater your earning potential over the long term. Knowledge is one investment that continues to pay dividends throughout your career.

5. Have an emergency fund

Unexpected expenses are part of life. A medical bill, job loss or family emergency can quickly disrupt your finances if you are unprepared.

Aim to build an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months of essential expenses. Start small if necessary, but stay consistent. Having a financial cushion reduces stress and prevents you from relying on expensive loans whenever an emergency arises.

Building wealth before 35 is not about earning the biggest salary or becoming an overnight success.

It is about making smart financial decisions consistently, avoiding unnecessary debt and staying focused on your long-term goals. Small habits repeated over time often have a bigger impact than one big financial breakthrough.