Woman on Track to Save $100K by 24 Thanks to Major Lifestyle Changes (Exclusive)

At just 23 years old, Shelby Wright is already well on her way to hitting her $100,000 savings goal, with an impressive $75,000 tucked away thanks to the income from her four jobs. 

Wright didn’t grow up with a financial safety net, and her parents never taught her how to manage money, but a turning point came when she realized just how much she was spending on things she didn’t actually need. 

That wake-up call led her to start tracking every dollar and invest with intention back in 2020, at the early age of 18. Though her large-scale goal didn’t take shape until June 2024, Wright has mastered the art of spending with purpose. 

Now, she’s using her growing social media presence to inspire others to take control of their money, no matter where they start.

“I never wanted to live in debt or paycheck to paycheck, so I learned quickly that the key is living within your means, budgeting, and investing consistently,” Wright tells PEOPLE exclusively.

She currently works full-time at Basketcase Gallery, a men’s streetwear brand, where she handles everything from customer service to operations. She is also a social media manager for a physical therapy clinic, a remote customer service representative, and a property manager.

Apart from her four jobs, Wright is also a certified holistic health coach, founder of Rooted with Shelby – a non-toxic home consulting service for women – and host of the My Perspective podcast, where she shares real conversations about wellness, money, relationships, and life in your 20s.

“I always knew I shopped too much in high school, but once I started tracking every dollar, it clicked,” she says. “I realized that I was spending everything I was making and overspending on several categories like gifts, eating out, and beauty services.”

With the money she earns, Wright has learned to cut out unnecessary expenses and stopped splurging on things she once labeled necessary. Before making purchases, she now stops to ask herself, “Do I actually need this?”

After realizing she was spending over $1,000 a year on nails, Wright decided the long-term cost wasn’t worth it. She’s also ditched weekly online shopping habits, opting to thrift first and save wish-list items for birthdays and holidays. Wright only eats out when she’s with others, never alone, to curb unnecessary food costs. 

When it comes to her long-distance relationship, she’s also found ways to keep her spending practical yet thoughtful. She sets a personal limit on gifts – $100 for every year they’ve been together – to avoid going overboard.

Given that long drives and travel added up quickly, she and her boyfriend split the cost of her flights to keep things fair and affordable.

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As for intentional spending, there are a few things she still allows herself to splurge on. She prioritizes quality over quantity and doesn’t mind spending more on things that add real value to her life.

“I truly believe budgeting doesn’t mean restricting, it means aligning your money with your values,” she explains. “If something matters to you, spend on it. If it doesn’t, cut it out without guilt.” 

Wright often prioritizes high-quality groceries, especially since she rarely eats out, and shops at places like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Thrive Market. After dealing with mold illness and autoimmune symptoms, investing in wellness and safety is a must. 

As a certified health coach, Wright is now exploring lab training and the possibility of returning to school for psychology or business. She emphasizes the importance of investing in education, believing career development is always worth the money.

Travel is also a priority – both to maintain her long-distance relationship and sprinkle some fun into her life. This year she is excited for her upcoming family vacation to France and Switzerland, as well as some pre-planned trips with friends. 

“I used to always meet friends for walks or coffee, simple catch-ups. But this year I realized I wasn’t really making new memories,” Wright admits. “So I planned two actual friend trips, which was super out of the ordinary for me. I want to be someone who values people and moments, not just saving money. Budgeting allows me to say yes to that.”

As a result, Wright has already saved three-fourths of her hefty goal. While she originally aimed to hit the milestone by 25, she now believes she’s on track to reach it a full year early. 

“Without a clear goal, it’s easy to feel like you’re saving ‘just because.’ A bigger vision gives you something to work toward and helps avoid impulse spending,” she says. “Like yes, I could go on a $5k trip or buy a $3k bag, but then I remind myself why I’m saving. That clarity makes saying ‘no’ a lot easier.”

Once she reaches her goal, Wright plans to put part of it toward a future home and invest the rest in long-term retirement savings.

“Saving this amount gives me flexibility,” she says. “It’s not just about one big purchase, it’s about having a cushion for the future, being able to say yes to opportunities, and having the freedom to make intentional choices as life changes.”

Her advice for other young adults saving in today’s economy is simple but powerful: track your spending, even if it’s just in a notes app. Take advantage of tools like high-yield savings accounts, 401(k) matches, and Roth IRAs. 

She also stresses the importance of increasing your income – “saving only works if there’s something to save,” Wright emphasizes. Most importantly, she believes your environment matters; surrounding yourself with people who share similar financial values can make all the difference.

“My parents didn’t save, so I taught myself through books, podcasts, and conversations with people who were good with money,” she says. “There’s no excuse not to learn anymore, there’s so much out there.”