Core Insights - Investment strategies should be tailored to different income levels, as financial flexibility varies significantly based on earnings [2] Group 1: Low Income ($30,000 or less) - Individuals earning $30,000 or less face significant financial constraints, making it challenging to save for long-term goals like retirement [3] - Households with incomes below $35,000 report higher psychological distress, emphasizing the need for financial stability [3] - Establishing an emergency fund covering three to six months of living expenses is crucial for alleviating financial stress [3] - After creating an emergency fund, it is advisable to save 10% of income and invest in a safe bond ETF, such as Vanguard's Total Bond Market fund [4] - Investing $250 monthly in a bond ETF could yield approximately $9,000 over three years, plus additional earnings depending on interest rates [4] - With a safety net established, individuals can take calculated risks in education and career to pursue higher-paying opportunities [5] Group 2: Middle-Class Income ($65,000) - Earning $65,000 is considered middle-class in the U.S., with the median individual income at $45,140 and median household income at $83,730 in 2024 [6]