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Life Event Guides

Every big life moment has a financial playbook.

Source-cited walkthroughs for the decisions that actually move your net worth. Each guide links to the exact calculator that runs the math.

5 step-by-step guides·Updated May 19, 2026·Methodology →
Written by Jere Salmisto·Reviewed by CalcFi Editorial·Last verified: 2026-05-13
Mortgage8 min read

Buying Your First Home

From saving your down payment to closing day and beyond — a financial roadmap for first-time homebuyers with calculators at every step.

Read guide →·Affordability calc
Debt7 min read

Getting Out of Debt

Snowball vs. avalanche, balance transfers, and a step-by-step payoff plan. How to become debt-free faster.

Read guide →·Avalanche vs snowball
Retirement10 min read

Retirement Planning

A decade-by-decade roadmap from your 20s to your 60s. 401(k), Roth IRA, Social Security, and everything between.

Read guide →·Retirement calc
Business8 min read

Starting a Business

Runway, break-even, entity structure, and taxes — the financial fundamentals every founder needs from day one.

Read guide →·Runway calc
Family6 min read

New Baby Finances

Childcare costs, life insurance, emergency funds, and HSAs — a financial checklist for new and expecting parents.

Read guide →·Baby cost calc
Keep planning
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    Economic data hub

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  • Quiz
    Should I... decisions

    Short quizzes for big questions. Rent vs buy, Roth vs trad, more.

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Editorial

Guides reference IRS, CFPB, HUD, Social Security Administration, and Fed data. Updated May 19, 2026. Editorial policy · Methodology.