I don't think there is a "the setup" that universally works for everyone. As much as product makers would like to believe there solution works for everyone, it

I don't think there is a "the setup" that universally works for everyone. As much as product makers would like to believe there solution works for everyone, it depends on their circumstances. I have to be brief to make the train but here are some tools (US Focus): 1) Are you trying to get in control? This is where you are constantly living paycheck to paycheck, and bouncing checks. Than I would do the following a) Get in the habit of saving where it is painful to spend. So start putting any percentage of money into a 401k if your company offers it. Ideally target to get the maximum match. But whatever you do start. b) Start documenting all, let me re-iterate, ALL your spending big and small. I recommend Quicken, but an Excel spreadsheet, google sheet works as well. The act of becoming conscious of your spending makes you reflective. 2) You are in control and saving a little bit and bonus you pay your credit card balance in full each month. Here the goal is becoming more optimized (I didn't say optimized). a) Choose a bank that tracks your spending and look at it and automatically pays bills. b) Start putting away money in something like wealthfront or betterment (I prefer the latter). Put it in a 401k or tax deferred vehicle to start since it will reduce your taxes. c) work on eliminating leakage (services you don't use, unnecessary fees etc). 2) You are in control, think more in terms of building wealth. a) Start thinking in terms of applying savings to appreciating assets (homes and eventually second properties for cash flow). Zillow and Redfin allow you to understand the market. b) Look at becoming more aggressive with investments. Look at a percentage to go to growth or dividend funds. But look for a goal of secondary sources of income. Both Schwab and TDA have good platforms to see this. jonahbenton is right, there is no set it and forget it, but there is get the max out of the time you do when you have to look at it. You have to reconcile, with so much digital theft it is easy to have funds leak because of fraud. If you are truly looking for a set and forget, get adopted by a wealthy person who will set up a trust fund for you, but full all others, internalize good money habits.