← Back to Education CenterBuild a foundation before chasing returns
Getting Started: The Three Accounts
A simple way to organize savings is to separate money by when it may be needed: emergency needs, short-term goals, and long-term wealth building.
01
Emergency account
Money for near-term emergencies and unexpected expenses should generally prioritize access and stability over growth.
02
Short-term account
Money for goals a few years away - such as a down payment or other planned purchase - may need a different balance of access, stability, and potential return.
03
Wealth-building account
Long-term dollars can be directed toward retirement and other future goals through accounts and investments that fit the investor's time horizon and risk tolerance.