5) Retirement Planning

In the U.S., retirement planning is not just for people who are 60 years old. It is a tax strategy that you should start the very first month you get a paycheck. Because you may not stay in the U.S. forever, you need a plan that is portable—meaning the money stays yours even if you move back to your home country.

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401(k) mechanics and employer match

A 401(k) is a retirement account offered by your employer. You tell your boss to take a percentage of your salary (e.g., 6%) and put it directly into this account before you even see it in your bank. The Employer Match is the most important 'trick' in American finance. Many companies say: 'If you put in 6%, we will also put in 6% for you.' This is a 100% return on your money instantly. It is literally free money. Vesting is the catch: While your money is always 100% yours, the company's match might take 3–5 years to become yours.

5) Retirement Planning

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