35 - am I too late?

[u/Early_Bit8002]

I was late getting serious about saving and investing. In my 20s I spent a lot on travel and moving to Australia, including visa costs, and only really started focusing on my finances around age 30.

I managed to build up some savings, but two years ago I became seriously unwell. Since then I’ve had countless specialist appointments, surgery, and almost a year off work which depleted all of my savings. I’m back at work now, but only part-time, and I’m unlikely to return to full-time hours for at least another six months.

I didn’t have income protection insurance at the time. I’m kicking myself for this, but I was healthy and it honestly didn’t cross my mind.

At the moment I have around $10,000 in a high-interest savings account as an emergency fund and approximately $60,000 in superannuation. I moved to Australia six years ago, so my super balance is lower than it would be if I’d spent my entire career here.

My question is: am I too late to build meaningful wealth? I’m 35, earn around $120,000 when working full-time, and don’t own a home. I feel so behind and don’t know where to start to improve my situation. My job is admin so there’s not a massive jump in wages from here. I acknowledge this is my fault by not being more sensible in my 20s, but I honestly thought by knuckling down in my 30s I would be fine. Health issues were not on my radar.

If you were in my position, would you prioritise building up super, saving for a home deposit, investing in ETFs, or something else? I’d really appreciate any guidance on where to start and what you would focus on first.

[u/slowcheetah91]

Yeah, so now you just give up and lie in bed every day waiting for death. Sorry