Questions and Answers
What is Baby Step 1?
Save 1000 dollars in emergency fund and make sure it always stays at 1000.
What should you do in Baby Step 2?
Create a list of all debts from smallest to largest and begin to pay them off.
How long does step two take according to Ramsey?
18-20 months.
Why is the debt snowball considered key?
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What does a fully funded emergency fund cover?
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What is the average fully funded emergency fund amount?
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78% of people will experience some form of money emergency in the next 10 years.
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Where should you keep your emergency fund?
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What are places not to put your emergency fund?
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What is recommended for your emergency fund according to Ramsey?
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What does Ramsey say about retirement?
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What percentage of your income should you invest for retirement?
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What should you do after mutual funds?
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What is suggested for college funding?
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What is the definition of Baby Step 7?
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Are debit cards safer than credit cards?
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Study Notes
Baby Steps Overview
- Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 for an emergency fund to ensure stability.
- Baby Step 2: Begin the "undebtening" process by listing debts from smallest to largest and prioritize paying them off. Sell non-essential items or increase income if necessary.
- Mortgages and business loans are excluded from the debt snowball and paid off later.
- Debt Snowball Effect: Frees up income and counters the debt lifestyle.
Emergency Fund Insights
- Baby Step 3: Transition to a fully funded emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses.
- Average emergency fund size: $5,000 to $25,000; at least $10,000 recommended for monthly expenses of $3,000.
- 78% of individuals will face a money emergency within 10 years, emphasizing the need for an emergency fund.
- Keep emergency funds in liquid accounts for easy access without penalties.
Investment Strategies
- Investment Focus: Invest 15% of gross income into retirement funds after completing Baby Steps 1-3.
- Use mutual funds for retirement investments; average returns historically around 12%.
- Select diversified funds: Growth and income, growth, international, and aggressive growth, each accounting for 25% of the portfolio.
- Roth IRAs are recommended for tax-free growth; investing $3,000/year can yield significant returns by retirement age.
College Funding
- Education Savings Accounts (ESA): Fund college with tax-free growth in mutual funds; $2,000/year can translate into substantial savings.
- For expensive schools, look into 529 plans which allow for a broader investment choice and flexibility.
Debt Management and Mortgages
- Keep mortgage payments below 25% of take-home pay; prefer 15-year fixed-rate loans.
- Avoid adjustable-rate and balloon mortgages due to their inherent risks.
Insurance and Credit Considerations
- Obtain necessary insurances like auto, homeowner, and term life with high deductibles and sufficient coverage.
- Debt reduction over reliance on credit; debit cards are effective for purchasing without accumulating debt.
- FICO score is determined by payment history, debt levels, length of debt, new debt, and types of debt.
Final Notes on Wealth Building
- Baby Step 7: Focus on building wealth by investing smartly and remaining debt-free.
- Overall financial strategy emphasizes simplicity in managing money while progressively building wealth from the ground up.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the essential steps of financial planning, including creating an emergency fund, paying off debts, and investing for retirement. This quiz covers the Baby Steps for managing personal finances effectively and ensuring long-term stability.
