How to take control of your finances step by step

Taking control of your finances comes down to following Alexa von Tobel's six-step plan, in order. Each step builds on the last, so you're never guessing what to do next.

Step 1 — Know Your Numbers: find your net worth (what you own minus what you owe), your take-home income, and your credit score. Step 2 — Build a budget using the 50/20/30 system: 50% or less to essentials, 20% or more to your future, 30% or less to lifestyle. Step 3 — Clear the "Monopoly Step": get credit card debt to zero, capture your full retirement match, and fund an emergency cushion. Step 4 — Dream, and attach real dollar amounts to the life you want. Step 5 — Invest, starting with your retirement account. Step 6 — Protect yourself with insurance and a basic estate plan.

That's the whole arc, from "where do I even start" to genuinely in control. You don't do it all at once. You do one step, then the next, and the momentum builds on its own.

Control isn't about earning more. It's about having a plan and running it.

Want to walk through all six steps with Alexa? The Financially Fearless course takes you there. Learn more today.