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For a new job and the people helping you start

A first paycheck.
A stronger start.

Get ready to receive your pay, understand the amount, and plan for what comes next. Use this yourself or share it in an employee welcome packet or workforce workshop.

Open the printable handout →For employers & facilitators

Free to use and share. No sponsorship, registration or personal financial details required.

01 / Before the first payday

Confirm the date and payment method

Ask payroll when you will first be paid and how to complete its payment setup. Plan for the wait between starting work and receiving money.

02 / Before opening an account

Check the documents, fees and access

Use the account-opening guide to prepare questions. Share identity or account information only through the institution’s or employer’s verified process.

03 / When pay arrives

Read the pay statement

Compare work dates, hours where applicable, earnings, deductions and take-home pay with what you expected. Ask payroll about anything that does not make sense.

04 / Before the next payday

Put dates next to the numbers

Plan with take-home pay. Include food, transport and bills before the next paycheck; check when deposits are actually available.

A conversation with payroll

Five questions worth asking.

You do not need to share your account details here. Take these questions directly to your employer’s payroll or HR contact.

  1. What date will my first pay arrive, and which work dates will it cover?
  2. How often will I be paid, and where can I see my pay statement?
  3. What payment choices do I have? What steps and deadlines apply to direct deposit?
  4. How will I receive the first payment if direct deposit is not ready?
  5. What is the secure way to supply or update payment details, and whom do I contact about an error?

Offered a payroll card?

The CFPB says an employer must offer at least one alternative to a payroll card. Ask which choices are available and compare the fees and terms. Read the CFPB’s payroll-card guidance ↗ (opens in a new tab or window).

Put it into practice

Choose your next step.

Use one tool now. Come back for the next when you need it.

For employers, workforce programs & community partners

A useful 15-minute session.

Use the printable handout in an orientation or workshop. Participation is voluntary. Demonstrate with the sample planner and let people use their own figures privately.

  1. Minutes 0–3: Get oriented. Share your organization’s actual payroll contact, first-pay timing and secure setup process.
  2. Minutes 3–7: Prepare questions. Review the handout. Let participants choose an account question to ask; do not promise approval or collect identity documents.
  3. Minutes 7–12: Walk through the example. Open the payday planner and choose “Try an example.” Discuss why a positive ending balance can still hide an earlier shortfall.
  4. Minutes 12–15: Choose one action. Each person picks a private next step: contact payroll, ask an institution a question, or make a plan. Offer the official counseling directory when more help is needed.

Do not ask participants to show account balances or turn in completed financial plans. Share public resource links; keep personal payment setup in your existing secure process.

Get the handout →Open the example planner →Find free counseling options ↗ (opens in a new tab or window)

Ready for a welcome message

Help people find the tools.

Copy this wording into a welcome email, staff newsletter or program page. Add your own payroll contact separately.

Sources: Consumer.gov: Your Paycheck Explained (opens in a new tab or window), CFPB payroll-card choices (opens in a new tab or window), and CFPB direct-deposit availability (opens in a new tab or window). Employers and institutions confirm current processes and terms.

Resources reviewed September 28, 2026. Report a broken link or suggest an improvement.