WalletPrep

Your money plan

Answer 7 quick questions. You get your own plan, in the order most people should tackle money: cushion first, then free money, then expensive debt, then growth. Each step comes with short lessons, a calculator and a challenge.

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Or start from a sample plan

7 stepsYour first real jobYou just started a salaried job and want to set it up right from paycheck one.8 stepsOut of school with student loansYou have student loans, an entry-level paycheck, and you want a plan that doesn't take 20 years.7 stepsGetting out of credit card debtYou carry a card balance from month to month and want it gone for good.7 stepsSelf-employed or freelancingYour income changes month to month and no one withholds taxes for you.

How the order works

Cushion first

A small emergency fund stops a surprise bill from becoming new debt, so it comes before everything else.

Free money next

An employer match is an instant return, so it comes before extra debt payments in most cases.

Then expensive debt

Credit card interest is higher than any return you can count on, so paying it off is the best investment most people have.

Then growth

With a full cushion and no card debt, investing for retirement is where time does the work.

Get your money plan by email

One step each morning: what to do, why it comes in that order, and one small thing to try. About 5 minutes. Then one short note a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.