From house to kids: The smartest things to do with your money in your 30s

In your 20s, you probably checked off a lot of firsts: first job, first car, first apartment, perhaps.

Hitting the big 3-0 is often a turning point - life gets more complex, and your finances do too. Seemingly overnight, the novelty of money in your 20s is replaced with the reality of planning for your financial future.

Throughout your 30s, you're building momentum toward your peak earning years, which means bigger paychecks and growing account balances. That extra money will come in handy, since big-ticket purchases become increasingly common in your 30s. The stakes are higher for balancing it all, but there's no need to stress if you miss the mark occasionally. Almost no financial mistake is fatal.

Everyone's situation and needs are different, but read on to find out the smartest thing to do with your money in four common situations you might face in your 30s.