Let's face it, all of us want to grow our wealth. While there's so much more to life than money, there's no denying that having your finances in order makes everything much easier and can set you (and your kids in the future) up for success. But it's not as simple as just 'get a better job', most of us have time and life commitments that mean going back to university or college to get qualifications in something new isn't always possible. You might be stuck in what you'd consider as a dead end job, but the stable money means you're reluctant to start fresh elsewhere, even if it means more money in the long run due to the risk and lower pay initially. Thankfully there are some things you can do that will improve your situation with the time and money that you have, and other smart choices you can make. Here are some ideas. 

One of the best ways to build wealth is to think long term. Even if you don’t have huge amounts of money to put away each month, starting small and being consistent can make a big difference over the years. Compound interest means that even modest contributions grow far more than you might expect, especially if you start early. Stocks, index funds, and pensions all have their place, and the key is finding an option that works with your lifestyle and comfort level. For example, some people like to be hands on and pick individual shares, while others prefer a set-and-forget approach through a pension provider or tracker fund. If your employer offers a pension contribution match, that’s essentially free money and worth taking advantage of. Property can also be a strong long term investment, whether that’s buying your own home to avoid paying rent or putting money into a rental property if you’re in a position to do so (if you ever end up with an inheritance sum of money for example, this is a good place to use it). It’s not without risks, but bricks and mortar tend to hold their value well over time.

Another point worth considering is private health care. If you don’t get the right support, then you’re more likely to face bigger and more expensive problems later. The reality is that the NHS is struggling and it’s not uncommon for serious conditions to be overlooked or for treatment to be delayed for months. Going private often means quicker appointments, faster diagnoses, and access to treatments that might not be available otherwise. It can feel like an extra expense you don’t need, but if it means avoiding long waits and catching issues early, it can save you money and stress in the future. You don’t necessarily need the top tier of private cover either. Some policies are relatively affordable and focus on essentials like consultations, scans, and quicker referrals. Think of it less as a luxury and more as a way to protect both your health and your finances in the long run.

It’s not the most exciting topic, but good budgeting underpins everything else when it comes to finances. Without it, money disappears quickly and there’s no clear picture of where it’s going. The first step is being honest with yourself about spending habits. Track your income and outgoings for a couple of months, right down to the smaller purchases, and you’ll often see patterns that are easy to adjust. Cutting costs doesn’t always mean going without. It might just mean switching energy providers, finding a cheaper phone contract, or being more intentional with grocery shopping. Subscriptions are another one to look at, as these build up without you noticing. Once you’ve cut back where possible, set up a system to divide your money into categories like bills, savings, and spending.