You've got big goals, and we're here to help you reach them. With the Money Milestones, you'll get personalized resources designed to help you make real financial progress.
Save $1,000 for an emergency
Maximize your company's 401(k)/403(b) match
Pay off all debt except your house
Save 3 to 6 months of expenses
Connect with an advisor
Set goals and save for them
Invest 15% of your income
Pay off your home as quickly as possible
Donate your time, talent, and treasure
Money Milestone 1
Save $1,000 for an emergency
Until you take control of your money, it controls you. Your first Money Milestone is simple: create a strong foundation with an emergency fund.
Sensible Savers don’t let unexpected expenses, like a broken A/C or car repair, keep you stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Life happens, but when you're prepared for roadblocks, you protect your momentum and gain peace of mind.
Money Milestone 2
Maximize your company's 401(k)/403(b) match
Once your emergency fund is in place, let's make your money work harder. If your employer offers a 401(k) or 403(b) match, don’t leave free money on the table.
Match Maximizers contribute enough to get the full match and boost their retirement savings faster. No matter your age or current balance, there’s never a wrong time to plan for the future. Every dollar you invest today moves you closer to financial freedom.
Money Milestone 3
Pay off all debt except your house
Debt takes away your freedom to manage your money on your terms. Month after month, your income goes to lenders instead of your goals, and that's exactly why debt holds you back.
Debt Destroyers break free. They eliminate debt so their money can finally work for them. No credit card payments. No car loans. No personal loans. Just your money working for you.
Money Milestone 4
Save 3 to 6 months of expenses
Now that you've paid off all debt except your house, you need to protect your progress. Building an emergency fund with 3–6 months of living expenses ensures that no setback pushes you back into debt.
Just-In-Case Aces build a cushion, so life’s curveballs don’t derail their goals. They have peace of mind knowing they can handle the unexpected without sacrificing their financial freedom.
Money Milestone 5
Connect with an advisor
You’ve built a strong foundation. With expert guidance, you can take your next step. Connecting with a financial advisor ensures you have a personalized plan that aligns with your vision for the future.
Wealth Builders think of this meeting as their financial checkup: a chance to ask questions, adjust their plan, and make sure they're on track with where they want to be.
Money Milestone 6
Set goals and save for them
Congratulations! You've worked hard to become debt-free, and you should feel confident about where you stand and where you're headed.
Goal Getters focus on what matters most to them. Dreaming of a tropical vacation? A house? Your kids’ college fund? Whatever your goals, start by defining them clearly and creating a savings plan for each.
Money Milestone 7
Invest 15% of your income
It's never too early, or too late, to start planning for your future. By investing 15% of your income into retirement accounts, you'll build long-term wealth and set yourself up for financial freedom.
Wealth Accelerators make the best use of their investments. Reconnect with your advisor from Money Milestone 5. They can help you choose the right mix of accounts and strategies to maximize growth and keep your goals on track.
Money Milestone 8
Pay off your home as quickly as possible
The future looks bright. You’re debt-free, saving for the future. Now, you're ready to tackle your biggest financial goal — owning your home outright.
Home-Free Heroes know that every extra payment brings them closer to complete freedom. No more monthly payments, just utilities and property taxes. That’s what true financial freedom looks like: total control over your money and your life.
Money Milestone 9
Donate your time, talent, and treasure
You did it — financial freedom is yours! Now it’s time to Live Generously and make a difference. Giving looks different for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it.
The final stage of financial freedom is about more than money. It’s about spreading the message and helping others find their own path to freedom.
Start Your Journey Today
Ready to go further? We’ve built a collection of tools, tips, and articles to help you succeed in whichever Money Milestone you’re on during your path to financial freedom. But we can’t help unless you know where you’re starting.