Successful people have a plan It tells each dollar what to do and when A written plan turns values into numbers It helps make spending choices that match goals not just wants A good plan looks at today and tomorrow It starts with basics for of take-home pay It saves for retirement and for short-term savings Start with a small emergency fund get a full k match then pay off high-interest debt before saving more for the long term Goals should be clear and have a deadline for an emergency fund to pay off debt or to build wealth Set spending limits savings goals and check-in dates This keeps your plan visible and doable Update your plan regularly Change it when your income or life situation changes https youtu be U -Lh EJVuw si EpueVjf-n h k Priority Target Why it matters Essentials take home Keep basic needs covered and reduce stress Retirement pretax Get employer match and plan for the future Short-term savings take home Handle unexpected costs without debt Emergency fund Start with then aim for months Keep finances stable and make calm choices Figure out true income calculate take-home pay and variable earnings Find out how much money you really have each month This is before you start spending It helps you know how much to save and for what What counts as take-home pay vs pretax income Take-home pay is what you get after taxes and deductions Adding back things like k contributions and health premiums... Login to read full