a snapshot isn't a verdict. pick the one number that bugs you most and make one small move this month. that's how it shifts. you're already ahead for even looking.
what's the most important number here?+
cash cushion for day-to-day. it's what protects you from surprises without reaching for a credit card. savings rate for long-term wealth. the other two are context around those two.
should i save or pay off debt first?+
stash ~$1,000 first so emergencies don't put you deeper in debt. then attack high-interest debt (credit cards, 20-30% APR). when that's gone, flip back to savings. this is the classic order for a reason.
what if i can't save anything right now?+
real. some seasons don't have extra. focus on not slipping backwards into more debt, and saving can wait until things shift. even $5/week later is still a start.
do i have to hit the retirement benchmarks?+
no. benchmarks (1x salary by 30, 3x by 40, etc.) come from one planning model with a lot of assumptions. plenty of people are fine without hitting them exactly. steady contributions > perfect line.
uses 7% annual returns (S&P 500 historical average after inflation). numbers are in today's dollars.
this is a learning tool, not financial advice. past performance doesn't guarantee the future.