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.

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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.

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