Split every paycheck into three buckets: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and investing. Automate everything on payday. When the spending account is empty, you're done. No spreadsheets. No tracking every purchase. Here's the full system.

Keep 3–6 months of essential expenses in a high-yield savings account. If your monthly expenses are $3,500, your target is $10,500 to $21,000. Build it in stages. Automate transfers. Here's exactly how much you need and where to keep it.

$500/month starting at 25, invested at a 10% average annual return, grows to approximately $3.16 million by 65. You only contribute $240,000 — compound interest does the rest. Here's the full math breakdown by starting age.

The order you invest matters more than the amount. Start with your 401(k) match, then fund a Roth IRA, then increase your 401(k), then open a taxable brokerage. Here's exactly how to prioritize — with 2026 contribution limits and a full comparison table.

A Roth IRA lets you invest after-tax dollars that grow tax-free and come out tax-free in retirement. Open one at Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard. Pick a low-cost index fund. Contribute $7,500/year in 2026. Here's exactly how to set it up — step by step.