Do you know where your money goes?

Brenda Eichelberger, who teaches a perennially waitlisted Portland State class on personal finance, says most of us don’t have a clue. “People have great intentions,” she says. “But they’re largely unconscious about their spending. There’s a thing called mystery spending. Young men, in particular, spend $236 a month and have no idea where it goes.”

Solid finances begin with simple awareness. In that spirit, we’ve assembled this action-ready guide to managing your money in Portland. Whether you’ve just landed your first real job or you’re starting to think about retirement, Eichelberger offers the ideal monthly spending breakdown tailored to your income. You’ll also discover a wealth of tips, from how to maximize goal-oriented savings to buying a home to the economics of homebrewing and investing locally. Let the riches flow!

In This Feature:

How to Live the Good Life in Portland on $40K

Uber vs. car ownership, the legendary $10,000 windfall, and picking a credit union

01/25/2016 Edited by Marty Patail By Zach Dundas and Emma Mannheimer

How to Budget With Goals in Mind

The creative director of innovative banking app Simple breaks it down.

01/25/2016 By Marty Patail

You’re Making $80K—How Should You Spend and Save?

Financing a start-up, the economics of home brewing, and the dark truth about childcare

01/25/2016 Edited by Marty Patail By Zach Dundas and Emma Mannheimer

If You’re Making $120K in Portland, Here’s How You Should Spend It

Green investment, a beginner’s guide to philanthropy, and how to make bank on a vacation home

01/25/2016 Edited by Marty Patail By Zach Dundas and Emma Mannheimer

How to Invest in Locally Run Businesses

The executive director of Hatch Innovation on Oregon’s groundbreaking new rules for start-up capitalists

01/25/2016 By Marty Patail