Budget & Savings Guides
Free budget & savings guides with plain-English explanations and live calculators.
Emergency Fund: Should You Save 3 Months or 6 Months of Expenses?
Standard advice says 3 months for stable jobs, 6 months for variable income or single earners. Here's how to decide and where to keep the money.
How to Save $5,000 for a Vacation in 12 Months
Saving $5,000 in 12 months means setting aside $417/month. Here's a practical plan with mini-milestones, the right savings vehicle, and automation strategies.
How to Track Your Net Worth (And Why It Changes Your Financial Behavior)
Net worth equals assets minus liabilities. Tracking it quarterly creates accountability and reveals progress invisible in monthly budgets. Here's how to do it right.
The 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule: A Simple Framework That Actually Works
Allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. Elizabeth Warren's 2005 framework is one of the most practical budgeting systems available.
The Latte Factor: What Your Daily $5 Habit Really Costs Over 30 Years
A $5 daily coffee habit costs $1,825 a year. Invested at 7% for 30 years, that same money grows to ~$183,000. Here's how small habits compound.
The Rule of 72: A Mental Math Shortcut for Doubling Your Money
Divide 72 by your interest rate to find how many years it takes to double your money. At 6%, that's 12 years. Learn this essential mental math tool.