What is a characteristic of "paying yourself first"?

Paying yourself first is a financial strategy that emphasizes the importance of setting aside a portion of your income for savings or investments before addressing other expenses. This approach encourages individuals to prioritize their financial goals, such as building an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or creating a down payment for a home. By treating savings as a non-negotiable expense, individuals can develop a disciplined financial habit that helps secure their future financial health.

The concept of paying yourself first fundamentally advocates for the allocation of funds toward savings and investments before spending on discretionary items. This practice serves to promote long-term financial stability rather than allowing immediate spending or charitable contributions to take precedence, which may lead to insufficient savings. Choosing to focus solely on investments in stocks does not encompass the broader principle of paying yourself first, as this method encourages a comprehensive approach to savings that could include various forms of savings accounts or investment vehicles.