Dave Ramsey

Baby Steps: Don’t start investing prior to completing Baby Step 3.

1. $1,000 to start an emergency fund.
2. Pay off all debt using the debt snowball.
3. 3-6 months of expenses in savings.
4. Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement.
5. College funding for children.
6. Pay off home early.
7. Build wealth and give! Continue to invest in mutual funds and real estate.

Reference: http://www.daveramsey.com/articles/article/articleID/daves-investing-philosophy/category/lifeandmoney_investing/