Where Should My Money Go?

The Reddit r/personalfinance “Prime Directive” — a priority order for every dollar of surplus income. Enter your situation and see exactly where your next dollar should go, and how long each step will take.

Income & Budget

$
$

Surplus: $1,500.00

Emergency Fund

$

Employer 401k Match

$
% of salary
%

Medium to High Interest Debt

$
$

HSA

IRA & 401k (This Year)

$
$
Monthly surplus: $1,500.00
Current priority: Step 1 — Build a Starter Emergency Fund
1
Build a Starter Emergency Fund
→ Next
First $1,000 — your financial safety net

One small unexpected expense shouldn't push you into high-interest debt. $1,000 covers most minor emergencies while you work on the rest of the plan.

$500.00 / $1,000.00
Target: $1,000.00
$500.00/mo allocated · ~1 month to complete
2
Contribute to 401k up to Employer Match
Free money — an instant 50–100% return

An employer match is an immediate guaranteed return. There is no investment that competes with it. Always capture the full match before anything else.

Contributing 0% of 6% available match
Up to 6% of salary · $4,800.00 / yr
Redirect $400.00/mo to 401k to capture match
✓
Pay Off High-Interest Debt
✓ Done
Credit cards, payday loans — above ~7% APR

High-interest debt costs more than markets reliably return. Paying off a 20% APR card is equivalent to a guaranteed 20% risk-free investment.

4
Build a Full Emergency Fund
3–6 months of essential expenses

A full cushion lets you survive job loss or major expenses without derailing your finances or going into debt. Choose 6 months if your income is variable.

$500.00 / $10,500.00
Target: $10,500.00 (3 months)
$600.00/mo allocated · ~17 months to complete
–
Max Your HSA
N/A
Triple tax advantage — the best account available

HSA contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdraw tax-free for medical expenses. Invest the balance and reimburse yourself years later.

6
Max Your IRA
Roth (or Traditional if income limits apply)

An IRA gives you more investment choices and lower fees than most 401k plans, with the same tax-advantaged compounding. Roth grows and withdraws tax-free.

$0.00 / $7,000.00
2026 limit: $7,000.00
7
Max Your 401k
Fill the full annual limit, beyond the match

After maxing your IRA, go back to max the 401k. More tax-advantaged space, despite higher fees and fewer fund choices.

$0.00 / $24,500.00
2026 limit: $24,500.00
✓
Pay Off Medium-Interest Debt
✓ Done
Student loans, auto loans — 4–7% APR

At these rates, the math is close to market returns. Many people pay this off for the guaranteed return and peace of mind.

9
Invest & Save for Goals
Taxable brokerage, down payment, low-interest debt

With all higher priorities covered, invest in a taxable brokerage for long-term wealth, save for a home, or pay down low-interest debt (mortgage, loans < 4%).

Based on the r/personalfinance Prime Directive. HSA, IRA, and 401k monthly amounts are spread over the months remaining in the year from the selected month. State taxes and investment returns not included.