Money basics

See where your money goes and give every dollar a job.

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Money basics
18 lessons
See where your money goes and give every dollar a job.
Where your money goes
Read your paycheckWhere your gross pay goes before it reaches you.Bank accountsOne account to spend from, one to keep.Read a bank statementCheck the math, the fees and every charge.Track your spendingFind where your money actually goes.Net worthWhat you own minus what you owe.
Make a plan
Make a budgetGive every dollar of take-home pay a job.Zero-based budgetGive every dollar a job until $0 is left.Pay yourself firstSave on payday, then spend what is left.Irregular income budgetPlan on your lowest month. Save the rest.Set money goalsAn amount, a date and a monthly number.Automate your moneySavings first, bills next, then spend the rest.
Spend less, keep more
Lower your billsOne afternoon of calls, savings every month.Save on groceriesPlan meals, buy store brands, waste less.Stop impulse spendingWait 48 hours, add friction, budget for fun.Bank feesOverdraft, NSF and monthly fees, and how to skip them.Credit union vs bankSame basics, different owners. Compare actual offers.How interest worksThe price of money, earned or paid.APY vs APRAPY for what you earn, APR for what you pay.