A plain-English playbook from a CPA for new grads in the US and Canada. Paycheck to investing, in the right order, without the jargon.
School handed you a degree and a job offer. It did not hand you a plan for the money that comes with it. This is that plan.
You just landed your first real job and the paycheck feels smaller than the offer.
You know you should be saving and investing, but nobody handed you the how.
You want a simple system that runs in the background while you live your life.
You're in the US or Canada and want guidance that actually fits where you live.
When money is tight, the sequence is what protects you. Work top to bottom, each step earns you the right to the next.
You don't just read the playbook, you set it up. The Setup Kit at the back does the heavy lifting.
If you only ever do six things, do these, in this order.
1. Save a one-month starter cushion.
2. Contribute enough to get your full employer match.
3. Kill high-interest debt.
4. Grow savings to a 3–6 month emergency fund.
5. Invest in a tax-sheltered account, automatically.
6. Then chase the bigger goals.
Everything in the playbook is just the detail behind these six moves.
Pay once, download instantly, and get the PDF and Setup Kit emailed to you as well.
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This playbook is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, or individualized investment advice. Please consult a licensed financial, tax, or legal professional for advice specific to your situation.