Level 4
Always Safety First
There's free money on the table and most people leave it there. I'll walk you through the order I use to fund retirement accounts (401k match → HSA → Roth IRA → Brokerage), how to play the credit game so it saves you tens of thousands, how the tax code actually works as a playbook of incentives, how to protect your family with the right insurance and estate docs, and the road to becoming an accredited investor. Lock this in before you head into the backcountry.
Lessons in this Level
Stock Investing
401K, Roth IRA, HSA, taxable brokerage (bonus)
The Credit Game
How your score actually works and how to raise it
The Tax Game
The tax code is a playbook — brackets, deductions, income buckets, and net returns
Protecting Your Family
Term life, umbrella coverage, estate docs, and your Legacy Binder
Road to Accreditation
Securities overview, paths to accreditation, and what you can invest in now
Who this level is for
This level is designed for Day Hikers, people who are building their financial foundation. Whether you're just getting started or need a reset, these fundamentals apply to everyone. No investing experience needed.
Tools & Resources for This Level
Platforms and tools Michael uses and recommends for the topics in this level. These are affiliate links to support our work bringing free, advanced wealth-building education to all.
Sequence
The money-routing app that automatically splits every paycheck across your bills, savings, and investments.
Automate Your Cash Flow →
Trust & Will
Set up your will, trust, and estate plan online in minutes — the simple way to protect your family and your assets.
Start Your Estate Plan →
Chase Sapphire
The travel rewards card I use to turn everyday spending into points, with a big welcome bonus on the Sapphire Preferred.
Get the Sapphire Card →Recommended Reading
Michael's book picks for this level. These are affiliate links to support our work bringing free, advanced wealth-building education to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I max out my 401(k) or just get the match?+
At minimum, get the full employer match, it's a guaranteed 100% return. Whether to max beyond that depends on your tax bracket and other goals. Michael maxes his every year, but if you have high-interest debt, focus there first.
Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA, which is better?+
If you expect your income (and tax rate) to be higher in retirement, go Roth. If you need the tax deduction now and expect lower income later, go traditional. For most young earners, Roth wins because your money grows tax-free for decades.
How do I actually raise my credit score?+
Pay every bill on time (35% of your score), keep credit utilization under 10% (30%), don't close old cards (15%), and avoid opening too many new accounts at once (10%). These four moves cover 90% of it.