We've all seen it: the social post with the shiny house keys, the engagement ring photo, the "just paid off our mortgage at 34" headline. And while we're genuinely happy for them, let's be real, that's not the whole story for most millennials.
Between inflation, wage stagnation, and avocado toast (ok, maybe not that last one), traditional money milestones have shifted. But the financial wins still matter. They're just different.
Here are the real money milestones more Canadians are reaching and why they deserve way more hype.
1. Paying off (even some of) your credit card debt
Not all of it. Not forever. Just finally seeing the number go down? That counts. Maybe you made a bigger-than-minimum payment. Or used cashback to shave it down. That's momentum.
Pro Tip: Set up auto-pay for your minimum, then "round up" extra when you can. Little by little = big progress.
2. Moving out and staying out
Whether it was a sublet, a roommate sitch, or your first solo lease, affording to move out and make rent every month is a legit milestone. Especially if you didn't have to text your parents for an e-transfer.
Try this: Automate savings into a "rent buffer" account so you always have 1 month's cushion, just in case.
3. Getting your credit score into the green zone
700+ club, we see you.
Improving your credit score is like getting stronger from the gym: No one sees the reps, but they feel the results. Better rates. Higher limits. Less stress.
Want to build it faster? Keep utilization under 30% and always pay something by the due date.
4. Furnishing your first place with money you actually have
No judgment if you got your couch from Facebook Marketplace. But choosing to wait, save, and buy the good stuff instead of financing it all, that's delayed gratification in action.
Open a Neo savings account and stash your "dream home things" money, while earning interest. Interior design meets compound interest.
5. Building an emergency fund (even if it's $500)
No one's saying you need six months saved up overnight. But the first $500 in a high-interest savings yield account? That's financial security. That's power.
Rule of thumb: Start by saving enough to cover one annoying expense (vet bill, flat tire, broken phone) and grow it from there.
6. Saying "no" to things you can't afford (even when it's hard)
Skipping a wedding. Not splitting that cottage rental. Ghosting the "let's book Europe in October" group chat. These are the quiet financial wins. No applause. Just self-respect and long-term focus.
Life hack: Have a line you use to say no, something like: "I'm budgeting for something else right now, but I hope you have the best time."
The bottom line: Your milestones matter, even if they're not Instagrammable.
At Neo, we're here for the subtle flexes. The invisible wins. The real-life choices that make your future self proud.
Let's normalize celebrating:
- A paid-off phone plan
- A month without dipping into credit
- Finally understanding what a TFSA actually does
Because grown-up finance isn't always flashy. But it is freedom.
