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!