Knowing how to spend is more important than knowing how to invest

07/15/26 •0•0

Between the ages of 15 and 25, many people ask themselves: "Where should I invest my money?" The answer may surprise you: instead of focusing so much on financial investments, perhaps the priority should be to spend strategically on something that really transforms your life.

Written byLeon

Translated byEditorial

Revised byEditorial

As a Financial Mathematics teacher, I constantly have to answer the question "Where should I invest my money?". People forget that I teach at a technical school and many of these people are between 15 and 25 years old. They are usually humble people who have yet to earn more than 2 thousand reais per month at a job. Does it make sense for these people to think about where to invest? In my view, the most important thing is to think about where to spend, and to spend as soon as possible!

Investing for the long term makes no sense for young people

If you are between 15 and 25 years old, your goal right now should be to save up to 10 thousand reais (possibly less). Listen, I know it sounds like a lot, but it is the same as saving 200 reais per month for 4 years. When we talk about 4 years, the impact of the difference between a bad investment and a good one is still not noticeable, that is, investing in Selic or Stocks will not change your life.

With up to 10 thousand reais, instead of trying to invest to obtain a financial return, the focus should be on how to spend that money intelligently to directly improve your quality of life, education, or job opportunities. The impact of spending on something meaningful can be much more powerful than waiting for the return on a short-term investment.

Here are some ideas on how to use up to 10 thousand reais to transform the life of someone who is just starting out:

Transforming Life with Up to 10 Thousand Reais

Motorcycle or Used Car

For those who need mobility, a motorcycle or used car can open doors, making commuting easier, whether for work, study, or leisure. This independence often has a direct impact on quality of life and the number of opportunities available. Many jobs will require a driver's license and a car/motorcycle for transportation.

Intensive English Course

Being fluent in English can open countless doors, both in the national and international job market. An intensive course in Brazil or, if possible, a trip to an English-speaking country can significantly accelerate learning.

I know English may not seem that attractive to you, but think of a job interview with two very similar candidates, the only difference being that one is fluent in English and the other is not. THE INTERVIEWER WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE THE FLUENT ONE. Do you know why? Because the person fluent in English will have more sources of study. Have you seen the difference in size between Wikipedia in Portuguese and Wikipedia in English? Have you seen the difference between forums in Portuguese and forums in English? Doors open for those who are fluent.

Technical Certifications

Technical courses, such as IT, electronics, nursing, or even specialization courses, can provide quick entry into the job market. These are investments that usually bring quick returns, with chances of improving salary or making it easier to get a first job. A welding technician has an average salary of 3 thousand reais and is one of the professions in demand in the market. Think of professions that directly impact people's lives (metalworker, welding, etc.) and you will quickly enter the job market.

Buying a Desktop Computer

Although many young people get used to doing almost everything on their phone, working effectively on a smartphone is not productive in many cases, especially when the work requires performance, precision, and multitasking. If you want to enter the Home Office job market, you will have to invest in a Desktop or a Laptop.

Programming or Technology Courses

The demand for technology professionals only keeps growing. Learning to program, taking a data analysis course or digital design course are paths that can put a young person on track in a booming sector, with excellent salary prospects.

Educational Experiences Abroad

Exchange programs or short-term courses abroad are an incredible way to gain new skills, expand your worldview, and make important contacts. In addition to learning a new language, it is an opportunity for personal growth.

Work Tools

For those who already have a career in mind, investing in tools or equipment needed to work can be a great idea. For example, buying a camera for someone who wants to pursue a photography career or a good notebook for someone who will work with graphic design.

Other events, but not highly recommended

What you can also do with this money:

Mentoring and Career Coaching: Investing in guidance from a specialized mentor or coach can help chart a clearer career path, offering support and practical knowledge to accelerate professional development.

Networking Conferences and Events: Participating in events in your field of interest, conferences, or professional fairs can create unexpected opportunities, such as meeting key people, learning trends, and connecting with potential employers or business partners.

Language Certifications or Tests: In addition to English, obtaining certifications in other languages or professional tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS, can add value to your résumé and enable opportunities in multinationals or foreign companies.

Focus on the Present to Build the Future

These options are not just expenses, but strategic investments in your own life. The return does not come in the form of interest or dividends, but rather in new opportunities, qualifications, and changes in quality of life. Over a horizon of up to two years, the impact of these choices can be much greater than the yield of any financial investment.

And After Age 25?

After age 25, goals generally begin to extend further into the future. This is where it starts to make more sense to think about long-term financial investments, such as real estate, retirement funds, or even larger ventures. The focus becomes building wealth, and here, every 1% of return makes a difference in the long term.

When we talk about starting our own business, we may have to save money for 10 to 15 years. When we talk about retirement, we are talking about saving money for 30 to 35 years. Notice how vast the long term is here, and knowing where to invest is essential.

At this stage of life, time is on your side, and the logic of compound interest begins to be an ally in accumulating and growing your wealth steadily and safely.