This is a checklist to help you identify any topics from Part 1 that might need your attention. Check each one that is completed, and revisit any that are not.
________ I track and review my finances each month, including all the money coming in and going out, and the balances on all of my accounts.
________ I am in control of my spending and make deliberate decisions about when and how to spend my money.
________ I have an amount equal to at least 1 month of my regular expenses in my checking account as working capital.
________ I have an amount equal to 3 months of my regular expenses in savings for emergencies (not including working capital) OR at least 1 month worth of expenses in savings and 2 months worth in available credit.
________ I have designated, specific uses for my credit card(s) and except for emergencies, I don't use them to buy things unless I already have the money on hand to pay them off.
________ I pay off my credit card balance(s) every month OR I have consolidated my credit card debt to the lowest rates I can and I am able to reduce my balances every month.
________ I have checked my credit score and it is at least 700, or I understand how and am taking steps to get it there.
________ I have as much money moving automatically as I reasonably can, such as direct deposit of paychecks, auto-pay of all recurring bills, transfers between accounts as needed, etc.
________ I am confident and practiced in my ability to learn new things.
________ I have a clear understanding of which soft skills come easily to me and which ones don't. I know how to put my best soft skills on display and I know how to get better at any soft skills that may need improving.
________ I have a clear perspective about which people in my life are likely to be helpful and supportive of my financial progress and which ones will not. I have taken steps, where I reasonably can, to strengthen relationships with those who are likely to help me and create some distance from those who are likely to hold me back.
________ I am confident and practiced in asking for help.
________ I am cautious and aware of any time someone else's choices or behavior could create financial problems for me.