Saving
Build an emergency fund starting with just $20 a week. Automate it and forget it.
- ●Pay yourself first on payday
- ●Aim for 3 months of expenses
- ●Use a separate high-yield savings account
Now Go Get Your Life!Your money. Your life. Your move.
Practical financial education that helps young adults build the money skills and confidence to take control of what comes next.
Core skills
Real-life money skills for real life.
Start small, start now ✦You're more capable than you think ✦Every dollar has a job ✦Progress over perfection ✦Your life, your move ✦Start small, start now ✦You're more capable than you think ✦Every dollar has a job ✦Progress over perfection ✦Your life, your move ✦
Nobody is born knowing this stuff.
Opening a bank account, reading a paycheck, signing a lease — school rarely teaches it, and it's totally normal to feel unsure. The good news? Each one is a skill you can learn in an afternoon. And each one makes you a little more free.
Small steps
Saving $5 today beats planning to save $500 someday.
No judgment
Wherever you're starting from is a perfectly good place to start.
Real freedom
Money skills mean more choices — about work, where you live, and who you become.
About me
Meet Stacy
With over 30 years of experience in human resources and finance, I've seen firsthand how financial confidence can change a person's entire trajectory. I started "Now Go Get Your Life!" after coaching my niece and her friends on what I call "Life Skills 101" — and realizing this guidance could empower so many more people.
I'm passionate about financial education, especially with young adults — because the money habits you build in your teens and twenties shape the rest of your life. This work grows out of my own personal journey of helping folks just like you.
I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. My mission is to help you build solid money habits from your very first paycheck. — "Now Go Get Your Life!"
Big moments are coming. Be ready.
Your first paycheck
That feeling when your hard work turns into real money — and you know exactly what to do with it.
Learn the basics
Your first budget
Taking control, one line at a time. Planning isn't restrictive — it's how dreams get funded.
Learn the basics
Your first place
Keys in hand, rent covered, savings growing. That's what getting your life looks like.
Learn the basics
The details
Learn the basics that matter.
Your First Job
Write a resume, ace the interview, and understand what's on your pay stub.
- ●Fill out your W-4 carefully
- ●Know gross vs. net pay
- ●Ask about 401(k) matching — it's free money
Bank Accounts
Checking vs. savings, what to bring, and how to dodge fees.
- ●Bring ID + Social Security number
- ●Pick no-fee, no-minimum accounts
- ●Set up direct deposit and alerts
Budgeting
A simple 50/30/20 plan you can run from your phone.
- ●50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings
- ●Track spending for one week
- ●Give every dollar a job
Credit
What a credit score is and how to build a strong one early.
- ●Pay every bill on time
- ●Keep card use under 30% of your limit
- ●Check your free report at annualcreditreport.com
Renting
How much rent you can afford, lease red flags, and deposits.
- ●Keep rent under ~30% of income
- ●Read the full lease before signing
- ●Photograph everything on move-in day
Run the numbers
Quick, no-stress calculators. Plug in your numbers — nothing is saved or shared.
Saving
Savings goal
Save $150/month (about $35/week) to hit your goal.
First job
Paycheck budget (50/30/20)
A simple starting rule: split every dollar into needs, wants, and your future.
- Needs (rent, food, bills): $600
- Wants (fun, eating out): $360
- Savings & debt: $240
Renting
Rent affordability
Move-in costs — edit these
Includes first month's rent, landlord security deposit, insurance premium due at move-in, utility deposits and hook-up fees. Deposit starts at one month's rent as an estimate; replace it with your lease amount. Insurance and utility bills continue after move-in; moving and furniture costs aren't included.
Aim for rent around $750/month or less.
- 30% of $2,500 income$750
- minus half of $0 debt payments− $0
- Your rent limit$750
Move-in costs total$1,905
Your rent estimate uses take-home pay. Enter gross pay separately to compare a landlord's 3× requirement. This is a starting estimate, not approval; account for all debts, bills and savings.
Don't forget renter's insurance and utility start-up costs — deposits and hook-up fees usually land the same week you move in.
Free Money Tools
Free Tools to Help You Take Control of Your Money
If you prefer to work with spreadsheets, start with these four…
From your first budget to your next savings goal, we've got simple tools to help you get started.
Launch checklist
Six money moves that put you ahead of most adults. Tick them off as you go.
Open the checklistTest yourself, earn badges
Get every answer right to unlock a milestone badge. Retry as much as you like.
🐷
Stash Starter
Locked
💼
Payday Pro
Locked
💳
Credit Crusher
Locked
🚀
Life Launcher
Locked
1. How big should a starter emergency fund be?
2. Where does savings usually grow fastest?
3. 'Pay yourself first' means…
Your money plan + the app
Tell us a little — your plan appears right here on the page. Email sign-up for the Now Go Get Your Life! app (coming soon) is optional.
Sign in to keep your plan across devices
Your ticks are saved on this device. Account sign-in is optional.
The shop
Wear the Motivation. Sip the Inspiration. Live Your Life.
Tees, hoodies and mugs from the Now Go Get Your Life! shop — a small reminder to keep going, whether it's on your back or on your desk.
Your future is ready for you.
You've built the foundation. Now it's time to turn that knowledge into your own success story.
Now Go Get Your Life!
Get in touch
Question about money, a topic you'd like covered, or just saying hi — leave a note for Stacy.