Planning · 5 min read
Your first financial plan: a checklist for your 20s and 30s
The essential building blocks to put in place, in the right order.
Qina Advisory team
April 2026
A financial plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Getting a few foundations in place early makes everything that follows easier.
The checklist
- Build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses
- Get the right health cover: at least a hospital plan
- Protect your income with disability and income protection cover
- Take out life cover once someone depends on you or you have a bond
- Start a retirement annuity if your employer doesn’t offer a fund
- Use your tax-free savings allowance every year
- Write a will and nominate beneficiaries on every policy
Review once a year
Your plan should change as your life does: a new job, a partner, children, a home. A yearly review with an adviser keeps everything aligned.
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This article is general information and not financial advice. Product features, limits and legislation may change.