Back to glossary

Priority waterfall

The order in which each dollar of income should flow — match, high-interest debt, HSA, IRA, 401(k), taxable.

Why it matters

A framework for deciding what to fund next. The exact sequence varies but the principle is the same: capture free money and eliminate expensive debt before investing in accounts that cost you money to hold.

Learn deeper

PF101 — The priority waterfall

Educational only — not financial, tax, or legal advice.