Rachel sat across from her financial advisor, overwhelmed. "Should I maximize my 401k or pay off student loans? Invest in index funds or target-date funds? Traditional or Roth IRA?" Each question spawned ten more. She left with a stack of brochures and more confusion than clarity.
Meanwhile, her friend Marcus had automated his entire financial life using simple rules: 20% to savings, loans above 5% interest paid first, everything else in index funds. His finances ran on autopilot while Rachel agonized over every dollar.
Different life domains require different decision strategies. This chapter provides specific frameworks for the five areas that drain the most decision energy: career, finances, relationships, health, and parenting.