What term describes the process of automatically routing savings from each paycheck before living expenses?

• A. Pay Yourself First (PYF)
• B. Investment
• C. Direct Deposit and Direct Debit
• D. Certificate of Deposit

Answer: (A)

Pay Yourself First is the practice of automatically setting aside a portion of every paycheck into savings before you cover any living expenses. By arranging an automatic transfer from your checking to a savings (or retirement) account, you remove the temptation to spend first and build savings consistently, which strengthens your emergency fund and long-term goals. The other terms describe different ideas: Investment means putting money into assets to grow wealth, not the automatic saving habit itself. Direct Deposit and Direct Debit refer to how money moves—getting your pay deposited into your account or having bills paid automatically—not the discipline of prioritizing savings. A Certificate of Deposit is a specific savings product with a fixed term and interest, not the act of routing savings automatically.