Financial Planning

Practical guidance on building the foundation of a financial plan: emergency reserves, how to weigh debt against investing, the insurance coverage that protects what you have built, and how tax-deferred, tax-free, and taxable accounts differ. Written for people who want a clear framework before choosing investments.

French Capital Management — The Foundation Before the Portfolio: wooden blocks labeled Protect, Stability and Plan beside a model house and notebook

Financial Planning

Financial Planning Foundations: What to Do Before You Start Investing

Jason French / August 5, 2026

Before you pick funds or worry about market timing, three things deserve your attention: an emergency fund, the right insurance coverage, and the account types you hold investments in. Here is how they fit together, with 2026 contribution limits.