The Money Order of Operations

1. Get the full employer match. Contribute at least enough to your 401(k) to collect every matched dollar. Match offered: ______   I contribute: ______
2. Build a starter cushion of 1 to 3 months. Enough that a surprise bill doesn't go on a credit card. Monthly essentials: $______
3. Pay off debt above about 10%. Most credit cards and many personal loans. Highest rate first. Balances above 10%: $______
4. Grow the emergency fund to 3 to 12 months. Standard guidance is 3 to 6 months. I aim for about 12. Keep it in a high-yield savings account. Target: $______
5. Decide on debt between about 6% and 10%. This one is a close call, and extra payments and investing can both make sense.
6. Invest for retirement, often about 15% of income. Counting any match, through a 401(k), an IRA and, if eligible, an HSA. Current rate: ____%
7. Invest beyond retirement accounts. Low-cost, broad index funds in a regular brokerage account.

Needed within 5 years? Money for a home, car or wedding usually stays in savings, not stocks.

This is general education and isn't advice for your situation. Your order may differ, for example with uneven income, health costs or dependents. Consider a fee-only fiduciary planner or a CPA for big decisions.