Taking Charge of Your Financial Future
Managing money while balancing life’s priorities is no easy task. By taking the initiative to educate yourself about complex financial decisions, you can achieve your next major milestone and gain financial security. Here are key areas where you can take action today to change your financial trajectory.
Know your credit score
Understanding your credit score is essential for making informed financial decisions. Obtain a free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only site authorized by federal law. Learn more about how credit scores work and why they matter.
Track and manage your debt
Keeping a record of your personal debt helps you stay on top of payments and avoid financial stress. It also allows you to track progress and celebrate small victories, keeping you motivated. Use a Debt Tracker to monitor your financial journey.
Create a budget
A well-planned budget lays the foundation for financial success. Recognizing the difference between needs and wants will make it easier to pay off debt and save for the future. Scan to get started with these budgeting tools: Budget Worksheet
Build an Emergency Fund
Setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck can help you build an emergency fund covering 3 to 6 months of expenses. A high-yield savings or money market account may offer better interest rates, allowing your savings to grow faster.
Plan for Retirement
Building a secure financial future starts with contributing to your Workplace Retirement Plan. Meeting your employer match, gradually increasing your contributions and establishing an asset allocation that works for you can help you reach long-term financial goals.