Resources
The toolkit.
All in one place.
Key terms, quick tips, checklists, and a budget calculator: everything from the modules, condensed for quick reference.
50/30/20 Calculator
Figure out where your money goes.
Enter your monthly take-home pay and see how the 50/30/20 rule splits it. Adjust based on your actual situation.
Key Terms
Words you need to know.
Plain definitions for the terms that show up in every financial conversation. No jargon to explain the jargon.
Quick Tips
Things to actually do.
Actionable moves, organized by topic. Each one matters more than it might seem.
Saving
- Pay yourself first: move money to savings the day you get paid, before you spend anything.
- Automate transfers so saving requires no willpower.
- Save raises and bonuses before you adjust your lifestyle to them.
- Keep your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, not a checking account.
Credit
- Pay your full statement balance every month. Carrying a balance costs you in interest.
- Keep your credit utilization below 30%. Below 10% is even better.
- The age of your oldest account matters. Do not close old cards unless they have high fees.
- Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com once a year for errors.
Investing
- Always contribute enough to get your full employer 401(k) match. It is an instant 50–100% return.
- Time in the market beats timing the market. Invest consistently and do not panic-sell.
- Choose low-fee index funds over actively managed funds for long-term accounts.
- Increase your contribution rate by 1% every year until you hit 15% of your income.
Budgeting
- The 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt. Adjust to your situation.
- Track spending for one month before making a budget. Most people underestimate by 30%.
- Cancel subscriptions you forgot you had. Most people waste $50–$100/month on them.
- Wait 48 hours before buying anything over $50. Most impulse urges fade.
Checklists
Step by step, when it counts.
Use these before big financial moments so you do not miss anything important.
First Paycheck
- Set up direct deposit to a checking account
- Understand your pay stub: gross pay, net pay, and each deduction
- Contribute enough to your 401(k) to get the full employer match
- Open a high-yield savings account for your emergency fund
- Set up automatic transfers to savings on payday
- File your W-4 correctly to avoid a big tax bill in April
Before Getting a Credit Card
- Understand APR and what it costs to carry a balance
- Know your credit limit and plan to stay under 30% utilization
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum (aim for the full balance)
- Read the rewards structure and pick a card that matches your spending
- Understand the annual fee and whether the benefits justify it
- Check your credit report before applying so there are no surprises
Monthly Money Review
- Check all account balances and transaction history
- Confirm savings transfer happened
- Review spending against your budget categories
- Pay any outstanding credit card balance in full
- Check progress toward your current savings goal
- Cancel any subscriptions you did not use this month