A step-by-step framework for where to put your money first, aimed at anyone trying to build wealth over time.

• Start by protecting yourself, not investing: build a starter emergency fund so a surprise bill doesn't push you onto a credit card at 23% interest.
• Grab your employer's 401(k) match next — it's free money and an instant 100% return.
• Pay off high-interest debt like credit cards; clearing 23% interest beats any investment you're likely to make.
• Then fund a full emergency fund, max an HSA (triple tax-free), max a Roth IRA, go back to the 401(k), and only then open a regular brokerage account.
• Real estate, 529 college plans, and private equity come last — higher effort or risk, so build the foundation first.

Outlook: Slow, steady, disciplined choices beat chasing one big winner; let compounding do the work over decades.