What do I do with my paycheck?

1. I just got my first paycheck. What do I do with it?

   The order matters more than the amount: decide before payday, build a cushion, clear expensive debt, then grow it.

2. How much should I keep for emergencies?

   There's no magic number, but there is a good order: one month of essentials first, then build from there.

3. I got a raise. Why don't I feel richer?

   A raise shrinks in three invisible ways: prices already rose, the extra is taxed more, and you get used to it.

See all questions · Back to the start