financial success is simple: don't spend more than what you make, then save and invest the remainder
create a budget with monthly expenses and watch your spending

use the fund only for loss of job - no exceptions
save 6 months of expense (car, cell phone, student loan, etc)
put the fund into a high-interest savings account like https://personalsavings.americanexpress.com

put as much of your money into retirement funds (401K or IRA)
money put into retirement funds are meant for the long-term; you won't be able to take out the money until 59 and half at the earliest age without paying an early withdrawal penalty fee
if your company offers 401K matching, then put in at least the matching
IRA has two types: traditional and ROTH; ROTH IRA is preferred to retain more profits
invest in S&P 500 in your 401K or IRA - look at IVV (ETF) when managing your own funds
investing in S&P 500 - spreadsheet investing $300 per month for 40 years can generate $1 million; investing $500 per month for 40 years can generate $1.6 million and $1,000 per month for 40 years can generate $3.3 million -- all of these numbers are estimates

if you desire a future purchase like house, car, vacation, etc - then create a separate saving account from the emergency fund

Dave Ramsey (books and podcast) - understand financial planning and budgeting
Suze Orman (books) - understand financial planning
Warren Buffett (books) - understand value investing; slogan: rule #1 - don't lose money, rule #2 - don't forget rule #1
book: Tony Robbins "Master the Game" - understand retirement and retirement planning
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/15/us/retiree-donates-fortune-to-education.html - understand planning retirement takes time, but pays off
book: Millionaire Next Door - understand planning and value of money

financial planning