Set Your Savings Priorities

High-interest debt comes first: credit cards top the list, with costly private student or personal loans next because steep interest can quickly undermine other goals.
Next priorities are building a 3-12 mo safety net for surprises or unemployment and contributing enough to capture the full employer 401(k) match.
After that come tax-advantaged retirement options like Roth IRAs, HSAs, and added 401(k) or 403(b) savings, then taxable brokerage accounts for flexibility.
For families focused on education, 529 plans remain efficient college tools, while low-interest debt like a low-rate mortgage generally stays lower priority.
A new child savings account can fit only after retirement, brokerage, and college goals; overall, the hierarchy stays flexible and based on goals and values.