Are You Financially Mature? Practical Steps

In this piece I walked you through 4 levels of Financial Maturity and the practical steps to take in each. To know in which level you are, you can take my quiz here. You will get the results immediately. After that, you can come back to this artcile and explore the ideas and steps in more detail.

I also wrote from a more reflective and emotional perspectives about these levels. You can read about this in the post Five Levels of Financial Maturity. My goal with this is to help people see themselves in their money journey. That version focused on internal shifts: how your mindset, self-image, and emotional relationship with money evolve over time.

Since I know reflection isn’t enough and it needs action and a structure to be effectice, I created this second article to help you with that.

This version is simpler, more practical and it has just four levels, each tied to concrete actions. It starts when you’re consciously trying to take some control of your finances and builds up from there.

Let’s walk through the four levels:

Level 1: Foundation Designer

“I’m trying to figure out how to stop reacting and stick to a plan.”

At this stage, you’re actively trying to understand where your money goes and how to make it work better. You’re probably asking questions like:
“Am I spending with intention?” or “How can I earn more without burning out?”

It’s a brave and essential stage. This is where most deep transformation begins, with clarity and small decisions.

What you’re likely working on now:

• Becoming aware of your income, expenses, and habits
• Navigating debt
• Trying to align spending with your values

Your next 3 steps:

1. Money Purpose Audit: For one week, write down the why behind every purchase over €150 (lower or increase this limit to match what you consider an unusual amount).
2. Value-Income Alignment: Identify one skill or strength you could build to increase your earning power and that you enjoy doing.
3. Debt Strategy: List your debts and separate them into “value-adding” (e.g. education, business) and “consumption” (e.g. lifestyle).

A small reflection:
What’s one financial habit you’d like to change in the next 30 days?

Level 2: Security Builder

“I’m saving regularly, but I’m not sure what to do next.”

You’ve moved beyond financial survival. You probably have a routine for saving, and you’re thinking ahead. Not just about today, but about your future self.

This level is often underestimated. It’s where financial stability is created. And it’s also where many people stall, afraid to take the next leap into investing or long-term strategy.

What you’re likely working on now:

• Consistent savings
• Emergency funds
• Building trust in yourself to handle money well

Your next 3 steps:

1. Emergency Fund Checkup: Do you have 3–6 months of basic expenses saved in an accessible account? This number can increase depending on your age and socioeconomic context.
2. Investment Curiosity: Learn the basics (even 15 minutes a week is enough to start).
3. Savings Acceleration: Automate and slightly increase your savings rate by 1–2%.

A small reflection:
What’s keeping you from investing? Lack of knowledge? Confidence? Fear of loss?

Level 3: Wealth Builder

“I’ve started investing, but I want to make sure I’m doing it right.”

You’ve made the leap from saving to investing. You’re no longer only protecting what you earn, you’re making it work for you. That’s a big milestone.

But with more moving parts (investments, taxes, values, generosity), it’s easy to feel unsure whether you’re optimizing your strategy or leaving something on the table.

What you’re likely working on now:

• Understanding your investment portfolio
• Balancing growth and safety
• Giving generously without guilt or overextension

Your next 3 steps:

1. Portfolio Review: Does your investment mix match your risk tolerance and time horizon?
2. Tax Optimization: Look into tax-advantaged accounts or strategies you’re not using yet.
3. Values Check-In: Are you giving (or planning to give) in ways that align with your priorities and capacity?

A small reflection:
What’s your biggest question about improving your current wealth-building strategy?

Level 4: Financially Wise

“I want my money to do more than just grow — I want it to mean something.”

You’ve built a strong, stable financial life. You’ve saved, invested, and made thoughtful decisions. Now your attention might shift toward impact, legacy, and freedom.

You want to avoid hoarding. You want to live well and leave something meaningful behind, whether that’s financial, emotional, or educational.

What you’re likely working on now:

• Advanced tax or estate planning
• Teaching or mentoring others
• Aligning your legacy with your lived values

Your next 3 steps:

1. Legacy Plan Review: Is your will or succession plan up to date with your actual values and goals?
2. Advanced Tax Moves: Explore tax strategies designed for higher-net-worth individuals.
3. Impact Planning. Think beyond donations: How can your money, time, or influence benefit others sustainably?

A small reflection:
What part of your financial life feels most ready for refinement or contribution?

To conclude

If the five-level model helped you see yourself, I hope this one helps you move.

And remember: financial maturity isn’t about age, income, or having it all figured out. It’s about moving forward with clarity and integrity, one decision at a time.