The 4 best investments for Aussies in their 20s

Here are some of the best ways I think young adults can make their money work for them.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The sooner you start your investing journey, the more gains you could potentially realise over your life
  • However, one would be wise to first invest in their financial security, education, and (I believe) in a few bucket list experiences
  • ASX shares can also be a winning investment for Aussies in their 20s

If you're in your 20s and considering making some choice investments, chances are you're setting yourself up for your best financial future.

Generally, the earlier a person begins their investing journey, the more wealth-building opportunities they'll be presented with.

So, with that in mind, let's dive into what I think are some of the best, most rewarding investments a person in their 20s can make.

A group of seven young people of different genders and cultural backgrounds stand in a group with serious expressions wearing casual young persons' attire.

Image source: Getty Images

I think these are some of the best investments Aussies in their 20s can make

Education

It's probably no surprise that education makes this list. The best investment one can often make is in themselves and your 20s can be a period of abundant education opportunities.

But, like any other form of education that sparks your interest, investing in your financial education is generally incredibly worthwhile.

A solid understanding of how to save and budget and of the taxation and superannuation systems can be worth its weight in gold.

Your 20s can also be a great time to learn the pros and cons of investing in various assets and consider what forms of income (passive or active) you might like to aim for in the future.

Financial security

That leads us to my second investment: Financial security. If your 20s are anything like mine, financial independence might still be some time away.

However, setting up an emergency fund can provide valuable peace of mind and, potentially, get you out of a sticky situation later on.

After all, there's little point investing in, say, ASX shares if you're forced to sell your holdings on the arrival of an unexpected bill.

ASX shares

ASX shares are likely among the best, most accessible investments someone in their 20s can make.

Unlike property, they don't demand a lump sum of cash to buy. And with the rise of robo-advisors, professional advice on the stock market can be quite affordable.

Your 20s is also a prime time to take greater risks, if you're comfortable doing so.

As per the rule of risk vs reward, taking a chance on ASX growth shares, as an example, or investing in an up-and-coming sector could spawn some notable gains.

Good times

Finally, spending the decade building a portfolio filled with the best investments you can find may well be an incredibly rewarding foray. But so could kicking back and enjoying one of life's most pivotal decades.

For some, embarking on that long-awaited backpacking trip across the world could pay endless dividends, in the form of life experiences.

For others, taking the risk to move to a more expensive city might bring more happiness than a share portfolio ever could.

Getting the balance between financial health and a fulfilling life isn't easy, but your 20s is as good a time as any to start trying.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

Person writing notes with a piggy bank, calculator, and an ascending pile of coins on the table.
How to invest

How I'd use ASX shares to build a second source of wealth

Regular investing can add up to something substantial over time.

Read more »

Happy elderly couple enjoying each other's company.
Superannuation

How to build your superannuation the Warren Buffett way

Superannuation gives investors decades to put patience and compounding to work.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.
How to invest

5 things Warren Buffett looks for before buying ASX shares

Buffett-style investing means avoiding bad businesses and overpaying for quality.

Read more »

A happy couple relax in a hammock together as they think about enjoying life with a passive income stream.
Dividend Investing

Want income for life? Here's how I'd build an ASX dividend portfolio

Don't chase the highest yields, but build multiple income streams that endure.

Read more »

A man rests his chin in his hands, pondering what is the answer?
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Top 3 ASX ETFs for a first-time investor in 2026

Three low-cost funds to start your investing journey.

Read more »

posh and rich billionaire couple
How to invest

How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares

You don't need a spectacular investment idea for compounding to make a big difference.

Read more »

Happy woman working on a laptop.
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX 200 shares I'd buy for the next decade

Wesfarmers, Goodman Group and CSL: three decade-long ASX holdings.

Read more »

Piles of increasing coins on Australian $100 notes.
How to invest

$500 a month into ASX shares: Here's what that could be worth in 20 years

The maths behind a simple $500 monthly investing habit.

Read more »