Money Order of Operations

Where should my next dollar go?

Most money advice assumes you already know the order. Pay off debt or invest? Build the buffer or start now? Top up CPF or buy the ETF?

This is the order I follow. One page, ten questions, yes or no. Start at Q1, work down, and the first step that isn't done yet is the one that matters.

Part 1 covers the foundations: knowing what you spend, knowing your net worth (CPF included), expensive debt, protection, and a cash buffer. Part 2 covers the investing layer: how much you can set aside, your risk appetite, starting simple, and automating it.

Built for Singapore.

I started mapping this out when my job got an end date. I'd always been careful with money, but I couldn't have told you my own number. This is what I built for myself.

One-page PDF. Free.

My personal checklist, not financial advice.