By the time you reach your thirties, you will have wised up to many of the foolish money habits of your twenties. It might be just as tempting to give in to careless spending, impulsive buying, and paycheck-to-paycheck living, but at least you know better now. After all, you are about halfway to retirement, and these 20 lessons will help you get there comfortably.

1. You really Do Need an Emergency Fund

Sometimes it seems that the older you get, the more expensive your problems are. Creating an Emergency Fund within the range of N100,000 to N200,000 is a great start, but now that you are in your thirties, you shouldn't stop there. Plan on the worst-case scenarios, like a job loss or unexpected medical expenses, and put more money into your Emergency Fund.

2. You should keep applying for jobs

According to Business Insider, you should be interviewing two to three times a year, even if you love your current position. This allows you to stay on top of what is available in your career field, as well as how much you are worth. If you end up being offered a higher-paying position, you can always take that offer to your current employer to see if they will match the salary.

3. It's OK to take a Career Risk

Once you get into your forties and fifties, changing your career or going back to school comes with a lot more risks that you might not be able to bounce back from when you are older. Your thirties is the prime age to take those career risks that can help you achieve your professional goals or boost your resume.

4. The bigger salary will come

You spent your twenties going to school and developing skills in your career field. Your thirties is the time when you should expect to make more money. According to some research, both men and women experience a 60 percent wage growth at the age of 30. However, if you don't revamp your budget to match your new salary, you will likely spend it frivolously. Increase the amount of money you save, and invest when your salary increases. Learn how to make a budget in order to spend your hard earned income judiciously.

5. It's Important to Invest in Yourself

In his book, "The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires," success expert Brian Tracy said, "Here is a rule that will guarantee your success and possibly make you rich: Invest 3% of your income back into yourself." Tracy wrote that if you continually invest in advancing your career, skills, knowledge and more, then you will "virtually guarantee your success."

6. Insurance coverage is really important

Getting the most affordable insurance is generally the objective in your twenties. But as your assets grow, you want your insurance coverage to actually protect your finances, car and estate in case anything happens. So say goodbye to the days of paying for minimum insurance just because it was mandatory, and research which insurance coverage options you need. Insurance is expensive, but it is worth the price, especially when the unexpected occurs. Try to invest in Health Insurance for your family as well, this will definitely save you the high cost of health care when any of your family members (wife or children) is sick.

7. Retirement is a reality – and so is the need to save

How much money did you invest into your retirement savings in the past decade? You are not alone if your answer is not impressive. It is hard to focus on retirement savings in your twenties when there are so many other expenses to worry about. Now that you're in your thirties, however, it's time to increase the percentage of your income set aside for your retirement accounts. Start by putting three percent of your income into retirement savings, and work your way up to 15 percent.

8. You probably want to own a home

Are you still dealing with a landlord? Owning a home can be less stressful and more affordable. You will also have the chance to build home equity and cash in on tax advantages. You can start looking for less developed area in your State of residence to acquire some plots of land, this will help you in building your own house in a short time. If you plan on working and living in your current area for several years, then start saving up for a down payment on a mortgage and researching what kind of home loan you qualify for.

9. Cash can take you further than credit

In your twenties, you might have been made to believe that you can afford anything, as long as you have the right to seek for loan at work or applying for some Banks financing (e.g. is Car Loan, Home appliance loan, etc). Now is the time to realize that cash has greater negotiating value. Many companies would rather get paid right away instead of dealing with the fees and hassles of financing from a bank. Next time you are shopping for furniture, a car, or another big purchase, ask what type of discounts are available when you pay in cash.

10. Being in Debt is Dangerous

Many financial resources will say that your total debt “not including your mortgage (If any)” should not exceed 20% of your take-home pay. However, your amount of debt could still be too much for you due to other budgeting factors. Kiplinger reports that if you rely heavily on overtime or side income, or can't seem to save even small amounts of money, then these are signs you have too much debt for your personal budget. While 20% might be the common rule, aim to have as little debt as possible.

11. You have to talk about money with your partner

Whether you are tying the knot or have been married for several years, get on the same page financially. There is nothing embarrassing about getting marital counselling for financial issues. Knowing your partner's financial personality and coming to an agreement on your budget is one way to strengthen your marriage and bank account. You don't want to let small financial problems or blunders cause irreparable marital or financial damage later down the road.

12. Yes, you need a will

You might feel like you have plenty of time left on this earth, but there is no guarantee. Spend the money to create a will so that your assets and loved ones will be financially safe and secure. Make sure to update your will occasionally or when a major life event happens.

13. You need life insurance too

Thinking about mortality is kind of depressing, but if you have anyone that depends on your income, then you need to plan for what will happen if you pass away. Life insurance is usually offered through your employment benefits and costs very little per paycheck.

14. Investing really is important

Once you have your Emergency Fund and Retirement Savings settled, you can start growing your investments. Invest a majority in mutual funds and stocks. Take advantage of discounted pricing on some company's stock, but don't only invest in one particular industry stocks. Instead, diversify your investments to include stocks from large, midsize and small companies.

15. But you're no Day Trader

You might be encouraged to take more investing risks when you are in your thirties since you will have time to bounce back. Know that it is wiser to invest for the long term instead of investing in businesses or stocks that promise to help you get rich quickly.

16. Someone has to pay for your kids to go to College

Your children might not even be old enough to talk yet, but starting their College Savings Funds now is essential. Setting aside money while your children are young could result in that money earning interest for more than a decade. So many parents find it difficult sponsoring their children through University especially when they are old, and some might have even been retired from their job, which will not really make money forthcoming to them as usual again.

17. It's Important to set a Good Example

Not only can you start saving for your child's college expenses, but you can teach them how to be financially wise. Your children can learn how to manage their money just by watching how you manage yours, both the good and bad habits.

18. You have the Power to Control your Financial Knowledge

There are a lot of personal finance gurus out there, all with their own set of finance tips and rules. Take control of your finances by increasing your knowledge of investments, savings and retirement. The more you know, the better you will be able to make wise financial decisions.

19. Frivolous expenses aren't worth the long-term cost

Your paycheck might be bigger now that you're in your thirties, but that doesn't mean you should be rewarding yourself with unnecessary luxuries. Who cares if your friends or neighbors have nicer houses or cars? They might also have a higher level of debt too. Live within your financial means, or pay for it when you are close to retirement.

20. You're never too old to treat yourself

It might seem like you have a lot of financial responsibilities on your shoulders at this age. While you do have to think about retirement, investments, mortgage payments and the cost of children, you should also allow room for fun in your budget. You don't want to spend all of your thirties working hard and making money, only to enter your forties exhausted and drained. Budget for the dream vacations, and actually take them before you become too old to enjoy them.

Forgive me.
There is this raging thread where they r saying that Muhammad (PBUH) slept with a six year old. Please help me tell them it's not true.
Here is the link:

https://www.nairaland.com/2439827/age-consent-sex-what-want