Pay off your highest-interest debt first — that's almost always credit cards at 18-22%. There's no investment that reliably beats paying off an 18% credit card. It's a guaranteed return. Knock that out before you even think about the stock market.

I'm not a financial advisor but I've learned a lot from personal experience. The most important thing is to start early and be consistent. Even small amounts add up over time thanks to compound interest. Don't try to time the market.

Taxes are the part everyone forgets about. Whatever you're planning, factor in what you'll owe Uncle Sam. Talk to an accountant — a good one saves you more than they charge. H&R Block is fine for simple stuff but get a real CPA if it's complicated.

I'd talk to a few different banks and credit unions, not just the first one. Rates and fees vary a lot. Credit unions especially tend to have better rates than big banks because they're nonprofit and member-owned. Always shop around.

Read 'The Millionaire Next Door' and 'A Random Walk Down Wall Street.' Those two books taught me more about money than anything else. The library has them for free. Most people who look rich are actually drowning in debt — real wealth is quiet.