home-logo Charles Schwab
  • 877-808-4605
  • Find a Branch branch-nav
  • Log In

Where should my money go first?

Eight savings fundamentals to get you started

Share
  • Facebook shareFacebook e true
  • Twitter shareTwitter e true
  • LinkedIn shareLinkedin e true
  • Google+ shareGoogle e true
  • Email shareEmail

Test your savings IQ.

Take quiz

Start with the basics.

With so many competing priorities, it’s hard to know the best way to save money. Schwab recommends eight savings fundamentals to help you prioritize.

Do the first four fundamentals in order and then complete the rest according to your personal priorities.

  • #1

    Don’t leave money on the table.

    Read why your company’s 401(k) match is your first priority.

    See fundamental #1

  • #2

    Stop giving so much to credit card companies.

    See how much you can save by accelerating payments.

    See fundamental #2

  • #3

    Save for emergencies.

    Learn about the importance of a rainy day fund.

    See fundamental #3

  • #4

    Maximize savings to tax-advantaged retirement and other accounts.

    Discover which IRA may be right for you.

    See fundamental #4

  • #5

    Save for a child’s education.

    See why it’s best to start as soon as you can.

    See fundamental #5

  • #6

    Save for the down payment on a home.

    Find the right account to build your savings.

    See fundamental #6

  • #7

    Pay down other debt.

    See the difference lower interest payments can make.

    See fundamental #7

  • #8

    Keep investing.

    Learn three important steps to smart investing.

    See fundamental #8

Ready to start saving?

  • Call 877-808-4605.
  • Find a branch. branch-cta
  • Open an account.
Own your tomorrow®

Brokerage Products: Not FDIC-Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Financial Consultants provide certain plan-related services to participants in retirement plans serviced by Schwab Retirement Plan Services pursuant to an interaffiliate agreement. Financial Consultants are compensated based on the quality of service they provide and their marketing and sales of products and services to Schwab IRA account holders. Go to Schwab.com for Financial Consultants’ compensation information.

Please be aware that brokerage products and services provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPClegal-sipce) through Schwab branches are separate and distinct from the services offered through your retirement plan serviced by Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. or Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company. Any fees incurred for products or services provided by the Schwab branches will be incurred by the individual investor and not be paid by your retirement plan or Plan Sponsor.

The Charles Schwab Corporation (“Charles Schwab”) provides services to retirement and other benefit plans and participants as well as equity compensation plan services and other financial and retirement services to corporations and executives through its separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries: Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company; Charles Schwab Bank; and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Brokerage products and services are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), Member SIPClegal-sipce. Deposit and lending products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank, Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. and Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company (collectively, “Schwab Retirement Plan Services”) provide recordkeeping and related services with respect to retirement plans.

 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized access is prohibited. Usage will be monitored. CC0009918 (0915-7VGR)  (02/16)