A sensible order for new money: clear expensive debt first, then build a cash cushion, then invest what's left. Each step protects the one after it.
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Investing before clearing a 19% card is paying 19% to maybe earn 7%. Investing before a cushion exists means selling at a bad moment when a surprise bill arrives.
Paying off a 19% card is like earning a guaranteed 19% on that money. No investment offers a sure 7% that beats a sure 19% saved.
Investing feels more exciting than paying off debt or saving a cushion, so it is tempting to skip ahead. The order exists because skipping it is expensive.
Mark honestly which step you're actually on today: still clearing debt, building the cushion, or ready to invest.
Clear expensive debt, build a cushion, then invest. Each step protects the one that follows.
Do it today
Mark which step you’re on.
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