When planning multiple milestones (car, house, college), prioritizing limited savings matters. A common framework: secure short-term emergency savings first, then prioritize high-interest debt payoff, then save for near-term goals (down payment), and finally longer-term investing. Timing and risk tolerance can shift order. Small practical steps — automating transfers and keeping goals visible — help make progress. This question checks knowledge of sensible sequencing when money is limited and choices must be prioritized.