MEL BROWNE: 'If I was in my 20s again, this is exactly where I'd put my money.'

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I was in my twenties during the 1990s. The deposit we needed for a home was a lot smaller, interest rates peaked at 15-17 per cent, we didn't have social media and investing apps weren't a thing.

Today, there is so much more choice for twenty-somethings. But often, it's overwhelming choices. And the ability to find yourself in financial quicksand can be terrifyingly swift.

The message I want you to receive, if you are in your twenties, other than, in the words of Moira Rose, to take hundreds of naked photos of yourself, is to understand that you are a time millionaire. 

Here's what I would do if I was in my twenties again today.

Listen: Caitlin Emiko talks about what it's like splitting her salary with her best friend. Post continues below.

Don't touch bad debt.

What is bad debt? It's personal loans for something that is going to go down in value, it's credit cards and 'buy now pay later'.

When I was in my early twenties, we had layby and Sunday trading had only just started. Today, we can shop twenty-four-seven with credit (we barely need to fill in an application for) over a glass of wine, while binge-watching our favourite show.

The truth? Bad debt is the villain in your financial story, but too often it's dressed up as grandma, when it's really the wolf. 

Yes, it's easy to see that villainous behaviour when you're paying 20 per cent plus interest rates. But even if you don't pay a cent in fines or interest, there's still a cost in the overspend you'll pay. Let's take one well-known villain, Afterpay. A cute little budgeting device aimed initially at millennial women, yet according to their own website, Afterpay users will spend 54 per cent more. Yes, you read that right. 54 per cent.

Don't believe the '16 years for a deposit' myth

A quick Google will present you with news reports saying it can take 16 years to save for a house.

That's enough to make most people say: 'Why bother trying?'

The only one who misses out if you do that is you. Instead, it's understanding if you put 15 per cent of your salary aside every year, it might take a long time to save the 20 per cent deposit to save a house.

But what if you didn't?

What if you got creative and looked at different options, such as:

Or you might challenge the twenty per cent deposit entirely:

Start investing now.

This is the big one so lean in. If you're in your twenties, you're a time millionaire. 

I get that you don't feel like one, and for many of you, your financial goals can feel light years away. But I promise you Boomers would hand back their property portfolios if they had more time.

And I don't mean time millionaire metaphorically. If you're smart, I mean literally.

Let me explain.

If you start investing $250 a month from now for the next 50 years in a broad-based Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), it would be worth over $3.5 million (according to Vanguard's 2025 30-year index returns).

That's the power of compound interest in action.

Small amounts, invested over the long term in just one simple investment, really can make a life-changing difference. 

And sure, you might argue you want that money now and inflation will gobble it up.

And that might be true. But if you do nothing, you'll have nothing and I know what option I'd prefer. 

If I was in my twenties again? Investing small amounts regularly would be one of my priorities.

Listen: In this episode, we're sharing practical ways to shift your focus from consumption to connection, helping you enjoy the season without the overwhelm from spending.

Skip the first bad marriage and divorce.

I said what I said. Divorce is one of the biggest destroyers of women's wealth. 

Don't marry the first person who shows interest, do the therapy, build yourself and choose slowly.

If you do choose to partner, continue with your own financial independence and if you have investments or assets of your own, speak to a family lawyer before you cohabitate about how you can protect yourself.

No, it's not sexy. But with 50 per cent of marriages ending in divorce, it's about choosing you.

If you're in your twenties you have time. So back yourself. Start the business, change careers, make mistakes, invest and take risks. Your twenties aren't about being perfect. They're about building confidence, skills and momentum.

Feature Image: Supplied.