Before any investing, before any debt payoff beyond minimums, build the Emergency Vault: 3-6 months of essential expenses in a high-yield savings account. This is non-negotiable.
Without the Vault, the smallest emergency — a car repair, a medical bill, a layoff — becomes a debt spiral. Thou cashest out investments at the worst time. Thou takest predatory loans. Thou sellest the future to pay for the present.
WITH the Vault, life's storms become inconveniences. The Brother who knows he has six months of runway makes better decisions in EVERY domain — career, relationships, investing, health.
The Seal of the Chamber
Peace of mind is the highest-yielding asset.