The thirties is the ultimate adulting age: you've been promoted to supervisor or manager, or you've started a business that's up and running, and you might have even started a family. These are the years to firm up your financial foundation for the future. All it takes is good money management.

"Start building your personal wealth – your 30s is the best time to make medium and long-term investments."

3 secrets to building your personal wealth

1. Cover the basics. Buy life insurance to help your dependents get back on their feet if something happens to you.

   It is also essential to get health insurance if you don't have this as an employee benefit, to cover those unplanned expenses when you or your loved ones get sick. If you have children, decide how you will provide for their education - you may get an educational plan, or save on your own using other forms of investment.

2. Have a larger emergency cash fund. Savings from monthly income should go into this fund. This fund should have enough, like six months' or a year's worth of income, or a certain percentage of your total assets. The fund should also be easily accessible yet earning more than what a savings account would give. Look into time deposits, treasury bills, and money market funds. An emergency cash fund would sustain you when you find yourself in between jobs, or when you want to stop working to focus on your family or higher studies, or for any emergency.
3. Invest for the medium-and long-term. Once you have built up your emergency cash fund, start building your investment portfolio. Don't wait until you get into your 40s or 50s to do so.

• Look for investment vehicles especially if you’re starting to build that future for your family. Examples would be mutual funds, bonds, or endowment policy.
• A home is also considered a form of long-term saving. The earnings potential, though, depends on the real estate market in the future.

Your investor profile will enable you to identify the right investment for you. If you are conservative, bonds may be a good choice. If you are comfortable with the idea of taking on some risks with the hope of earning more, then stocks may be more suited for you.

As expenses have grown at this stage in your life, you may find yourself able to put in only a small amount for long-term investment. Don't worry; a slow start is better than not starting at all. The important thing is you set aside something now. You can increase your investment in the next few years.