Financially Fearless
Learn
Plain-English answers to the money questions people actually ask — grounded in Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30 system and her six-step plan for taking control of your money.
Budgeting
Build a budget you'll actually keep with Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30 system.
How do I make a budget that actually works?
A budget that works starts with one rule — Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30 system. Here's how to set it up.
What is the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting?
It's often written 50/30/20, but Alexa von Tobel teaches it as 50/20/30 — and the order matters. Here's why.
How do I stop living paycheck to paycheck?
Breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle comes down to two moves. The biggest one is usually your housing.
Best budgeting system for beginners
The best budgeting system for beginners is the one you'll actually stick with: Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30.
How much of my income should I save each month?
Aim to save at least 20% of your take-home pay each month — the "20" in Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30 system.
Debt & Getting Started
Clear debt, build a cushion, and make your first financial plan — one step at a time.
How do I pay off debt fast?
The fastest way out of debt is the avalanche method — plus two power moves from Alexa von Tobel.
How do I get out of credit card debt?
Getting out of credit card debt starts with Alexa von Tobel's "Monopoly Step" — get it to zero.
I'm bad with money — where do I start?
"Bad with money" isn't a personality trait. Start with Step 1 of Alexa von Tobel's plan: know your numbers.
How do I manage money when I'm overwhelmed by finances?
When money feels overwhelming, shrink it. Alexa von Tobel's six steps let you tackle one thing at a time.
What do I do if I have no savings and no plan?
No savings and no plan means you're at the starting line, not behind. Two moves get you going.
How do I build an emergency fund?
Alexa von Tobel calls it a "freedom fund." Build it in milestones, keep it liquid, and automate it.
What's a simple financial plan for my 20s/30s?
Alexa von Tobel's six-step plan works at any age — and in your 20s and 30s, time is your biggest asset.
Investing & Resources
Start investing with confidence and find the right help when you need it.
How do I start investing with no experience?
Start with your retirement account, grab the match, and follow Alexa von Tobel's Rule of Five.
Personal finance tips for women
Alexa von Tobel built her career empowering women with money. Here are her core tips.
How to take control of your finances step by step
Taking control of your money means following Alexa von Tobel's six-step plan, in order.
Best personal finance books for beginners
The best beginner finance books, starting with Alexa von Tobel's plain-English Financially Fearless.
Is there a free personal finance course online?
Yes — plenty of free personal finance education exists. Here's where to start, and when a course is worth it.
Who is a good financial advisor for regular people?
Look for a CFP® who's a fiduciary and fee-only — the gold standard for everyday financial advice.
How do I learn about money management?
Learn the fundamentals in plain language, then build one habit at a time — starting with the Money Minute.
What does a CFP do and do I need one?
A CFP® builds your complete financial plan and is held to a fiduciary standard. Here's when you need one.
Alexa von Tobel & LearnVest
The story behind the system — Alexa von Tobel, LearnVest, and Financially Fearless.
Who is Alexa von Tobel?
Alexa von Tobel is a CFP®, New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of Financially Fearless, LearnVest, and Inspired Capital.
What is Alexa von Tobel known for?
Alexa von Tobel is known for founding LearnVest, writing Financially Fearless, and popularizing the 50/20/30 budget.
Who founded LearnVest?
Alexa von Tobel founded LearnVest in 2008 to make financial planning accessible to everyone.
What happened to LearnVest?
LearnVest was acquired by Northwestern Mutual in 2015. Here's the full story of what happened next.
Who wrote the book Financially Fearless?
Financially Fearless was written by Alexa von Tobel, CFP®, founder of LearnVest, and published in 2013.
What is the LearnVest program for taking control of your money?
The LearnVest Program matched people with CFPs to build simple financial plans. Its system lives on today.