New Here? Start With This.
Welcome to First Paycheck Guide — the no-jargon money resource built specifically for Americans navigating their first real job.
If you just landed here for the first time, this page will show you exactly where to start based on what you need most right now.
Are you trying to figure out your first paycheck?
Start here:
- What to do with your first paycheck: a step-by-step guide
- How to read your pay stub for the first time
- How much should I save from my first paycheck?
- The 50/30/20 rule explained for your first job
Are you trying to build credit from zero?
Start here:
- What is a credit score? A plain-English guide for beginners
- How to build credit from scratch with no credit history
- What credit score do you start with when you turn 18?
- Does checking your credit score lower it?
Are you making your first big money decisions at work?
Start here:
- Should I contribute to my 401k right away at my first job?
- How much tax will be taken out of my first paycheck?
- What is a W-4 form and how do I fill it out?
- Should I pay off student loans or save money first?
Not sure where to begin?
Read this first: First Job Financial Checklist: 10 Money Moves to Make in Year One
It covers everything you need to do in your first 12 months of earning — in the right order.
Note: As we publish more articles the links on this page will be updated. Bookmark this page and come back anytime.