6) Major Financial Decisions

In your 20s, your biggest asset is your mobility.

• Don't be afraid to leave a cool city (like LA or NYC) for a high-growth hub. In 2026, cities like Raleigh-Durham (NC), Dallas (TX), and Pittsburgh (PA) offer high salaries with much lower rent.
• A $100k salary in Raleigh often buys a better lifestyle than a $140k salary in San Francisco. Moving for a 20% raise while lowering your rent by 30% is a "wealth shortcut."