Retail investor: I got a raise & I'm not sure what to do with the extra money. Me: What'd you do with the last one? Retail investor: ...honestly? It just kind of disappeared into life. Me: That's the most expensive thing that happens to most people & nobody notices it happening. Retail investor: Lifestyle creep, I know. Me: Here's the thing... You were fine on the old salary. So the entire raise is free money you've already proven you don't need. Retail investor: So put all of it in? Me: Look at that chart. Every raise you've ever had could've gone in there & you'd have never felt it missing. That's the difference between people who build something & people who make good money forever & have nothing. Retail investor: Where does it actually go? Me: Index funds first like $QQQ. Boring on purpose, but beats 95% of people in the long run. & once that base is real, those same shares can secure puts & pay you a second time. But nothing works until money actually makes it into the account...