8 Things You Should Know Before Turning 30
Written by: Cora Gold
There’s often a mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with turning 30. It’s a milestone that offers new opportunities and plenty of expectations from society as well. The idea that you need a perfect career, relationship and life plan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help you feel more confident as you move into and through your thirties.
1. How to Set and Maintain Personal Boundaries
Boundaries help determine what’s acceptable and what’s not in a relationship, whether that be with friends, family members, co-workers or your partner. Setting them is an act of self-respect and self-care that can protect your energy, time and mental well-being, especially as life gets busier and more complicated. Start by saying “no” without a lengthy explanation. Block out time in your schedule for rest, hobbies and relaxation just as you would for a work meeting.
2. The Basics of Financial Literacy
Financial illiteracy is a common problem, affecting a significant majority of adults in the U.S. Money isn’t everything, but knowing how to handle it can save you some stress. If you know a bit about budgeting, saving and credit, you’re already on the path to more freedom, security and reaching your goals, such as buying a house or starting a family someday.
Try setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a high-yield savings account for each payday. A good rule of thumb is to allocate most of your take-home pay to needs, set a bit aside for fun or splurges and put the rest toward savings or paying off debt.
3. How to Navigate Health Insurance
Navigating health insurance can feel like learning a new language. Between premiums, co-pays and deductibles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, it’s worth knowing about, especially if you’re no longer on your parents’ plan.
Take some time to understand the basics of how health insurance works. If you’re buying your own insurance, be aware of the enrollment periods. For most states, the window to sign up for a new plan is shorter than you might think. The typical period is from November 1 to January 15. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss it.
4. The Benefits of a Good Skin Care Routine
Think of your skin care routine as a long-term investment in your health, not just something for appearances. Sticking with a method protects your skin and helps you avoid issues down the road. Staying consistent now can save you from needing pricier fixes later on. Focus on a simple, three-step routine that involves a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer for your skin type and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Apply sun protection every morning as the final step, even on cloudy days or if you’re working from home.
5. How to Nurture Friendships
As your life becomes busier, adult friendships require intentional effort to thrive. At this point in life, it’s more important to focus on the quality of interactions over the quantity of friends. You don’t always need a long conversation — simply sending a funny meme or a simple text works well. Don’t wait for others to make plans. Be the one to initiate a get-together or reach out to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
6. How to Advocate for Yourself at Work
Advocating for yourself means understanding your value, communicating your accomplishments and confidently asking for the opportunities, compensation and recognition you deserve. Take time to identify where you want to be in your career. Try to keep a “wins” folder containing the positive feedback you’ve received from your co-workers and work accomplishments with specific data. Use this as evidence during performance reviews.
7. The Value of Spending Time With Family
As you grow older, your family can offer a unique sense of belonging, comfort and perspective. Even something as simple as a monthly brunch with your parents or a weekend staycation at your sibling’s house can help strengthen your bond. It’s a great way to show your gratitude for their presence and make the most of the time together. Create traditions that are different from what you did as a kid. It could be a yearly fishing trip with your dad or a monthly video game night with your cousins.
8. It’s OK Not to Have It All Figured Out
You’re right where you need to be. No one expects you to have life all figured out by now, and having a few things left to learn — like how to fix a leaky faucet — is normal. Your thirties are all about continued growth and self-discovery, not some final deadline for getting everything perfect.
Try a new hobby, take a free online class, join a club or travel to a new place. Embrace a beginner’s mindset to remind yourself that growing and learning are lifelong processes.
An Exciting Chapter Awaits
Turning 30 is the beginning of a new adventure, not a finish line. Remember — the goal isn’t perfection, but progress. These skills and lessons will help you navigate life on your own terms.
Go easy on yourself and get excited about all the growing you’ll do along the way.