5 steps to grow money from your paycheck

The order for salaried workers to build assets, in 5 steps. Each step links the calculators and official agencies to use — follow along when you don't know where to start.

8 steps 8 calculators linked
  1. 1

    Understand your paycheck

    You need to know your after-tax pay, social insurance and taxes precisely to budget. Claim your year-end tax settlement refund for a "13th-month salary".

    e.g. ₩40M salary → ₩2.94M/month Open take-home pay calculator
  2. 2

    Budget and keep a budget book

    Split take-home pay into needs, wants and savings (50/30/20) and log just one month in the budget book by pasting card texts. You'll see the leaks.

    Open paycheck budget planner (50/30/20)
  3. 3

    Build a 6-month emergency fund

    Keep 3–6 months of living costs separately in a parking account. It's the surest shield against using card loans or loans in a pinch.

    Open parking account interest calculator
  4. 4

    Clear high-rate debt first

    Paying off debt above 10% a year is a surer return than any investment. Check whether government low-income loans or refinancing can lower your rate.

    e.g. highest rate first vs. smallest debt first Open debt payoff order calculator
  5. 5

    Borrow at government rates

    If you're buying a home or renting on jeonse, check government loans like Didimdol, Beotimmok and the newborn special loan first to cut interest a lot.

    Open government loan finder (eligibility check)
  6. 6

    Invest regularly through tax-saving accounts

    Buying ETFs monthly in pension savings, IRP (tax credits) and ISA (tax-free) leaves more of the same returns after tax.

    Open ISA tax savings calculator
  7. 7

    Build side income

    Small amounts from reward apps, and side income that builds over time from PDF templates and digital products. Move what you earn straight to your investment account.

    Open reward app routine calculator (curated apps)
  8. 8

    Check your financial independence number

    The goal is monthly living costs × 12 × 25. Raising your savings rate brings it years closer.

    Open financial independence (FIRE) calculator

Official agencies that can help

Guides for other situations

STEP BY STEPEverything you're owed when you quitSeverance, unused leave pay, unemployment benefits and taxes, in order6-step guide STEP BY STEPWhen your salary or severance is overdueFrom calculating unpaid amounts to filing a petition and substitute payments6-step guide STEP BY STEPPreparing for childbirth & parental leaveParental leave pay, annual leave and when to apply4-step guide STEP BY STEPWhen debt gets out of handFrom the right debt adjustment for you to handling seizures and collectors6-step guide STEP BY STEPPreparing for a job change or salary negotiationCompare the take-home pay and hourly value of an offered salary4-step guide

This guide describes general procedures and is not legal advice. Check your individual case with each agency.