Your first real job

You just started a salaried job and want to set it up right from paycheck one. Here's the plan we'd start you on.

1
Know your numbers
Learn where the gap between salary and take-home goes, then give every dollar a job.
Read your paycheck Track your spending Make a budget Zero-based budget 50/30/20 budget calculator Challenge: No-spend week
2
Save a $1,000 starter fund
Schedule savings for the day after payday so it happens without willpower.
Bank accounts Emergency fund Automate your money Your first $1,000 Savings goal calculator Challenge: $5 a day for 30 days
3
Get the full 401(k) match
Enroll in week one and contribute at least enough to get every matched dollar.
What is a 401(k)401(k) match 401(k) vesting Compound growth calculator
4
Grow your emergency fund to 3 months
Keep building toward 3 months of essentials in a high-yield account.
Emergency fund High-yield savings Where to keep cash Emergency fund calculator Challenge: The 52-week challenge
5
Check and protect your credit
A wrong item on your report can cost you on every loan.
Credit scores Check your report Credit freeze Improve your score
6
Invest 15% for retirement
Once the cushion is there, open an IRA on top of your 401(k).
What is investing What is a 401(k)What is an IRA Index funds Start investing Target-date funds Compound growth calculator
7
Protect what you've built
One uninsured bill or scam can undo a year of progress.
How insurance works Health insurance basics Renters insurance Avoid money scams Term life insurance Disability insurance Identity theft

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