Financial Health Test

I can easily locate the paperwork and documents for all of my insurance policies, investments, and deeds for my car(s) and home(s).

I know the total value of my net worth–including my savings, investments, home equity, etc.–updated on a quarterly basis.

I know approximately how much I spend on utility bills and other staples each month, and am able to stay within a specific range.

I have established a maximum amount I may spend of my discretionary income each month and stay strictly within that limit.

I always have a target limit in mind of what I can afford to spend on a daily basis, such as when I shop at the supermarket, drug store, the mall, or go out for lunch or dinner.

I have at least one utility registered in my name and at least one credit card under my name alone–not as a joint account.

I check my credit rating at least once every three years and before every major purchase, such as a car or home.

I have closed all credit card accounts that I do not regularly use.

I have paid off all outstanding debts and any other blemishes on my credit report, and am current to date on my payments.

I have consolidated the majority of my debt into just one or two payments a month with low interest rates.

I have at least three to six months worth of living expenses saved in case of an emergency.

I have a percentage of my salary deferred to a long-term retirement account each paycheck (either I do this myself or it is automatically deducted by my employer).

I have established three short-term financial goals, such as saving for a car, vacation, or a Christmas account.

I have established three long-term financial goals, such as saving for a downpayment on a home, investing for my child’s college education, or retirement.