The material presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as financial, investment or legal advice.
You’re Due for a Checkup!
When you start a new exercise regime to get healthier or more physically fit, one of the first steps is to do a quick weigh-in and BMI (Body Mass Index) check. Similarly, before you tackle your next financial goal (hello, awesome new car or long-awaited Paris vacay!) it’s a good idea to do a financial checkup. Why? If you know where you’re at now, you can see how to get where you’re headed. It’s like GPS for your financial goals!
Here Are Some Things to Look At:
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Your Credit Score
Check with your credit card company to see if they offer free credit score updates. Many do, including Desert Financial! Alternatively, you can visit Equifax.com1 and sign up for free score checks (2x per year max).
How Does Your Score Stack Up?
According to Experian:
580-669
Fair670-739
Good740-799
Very Good800-850 ExceptionalYour Credit Report
Get yours for $0 three times per year (once from each credit reporting bureau) at freecreditreport.com. When you receive your credit report, look for potential errors and trouble spots that you can correct going forward.
Your Account Balances
Do a quick inventory of the money you have in savings, emergency savings, money market accounts, etc.
Your Debt Load
Maxed out your credit cards? Have a ton of student loan debt? Total up the amount you owe. It may seem shocking at first, but remember — mortgages, auto loans and small credit card bills can actually be good debts if monthly payments are manageable with your current income and you pay on time.
Your Retirement Savings Progress
Check your 401(k) and other retirement savings. Are you on track to meet your retirement goals? In fact, do you even HAVE a specific amount you’re aiming for?
$1
MILLION
EXPERTS RECOMMEND SAVING A MINIMUM OF $1M FOR RETIREMENT
$117,000
AVERAGE RETIREMENT SAVINGS (BY AGE 60) = $117,000
10%
ONLY 10% OF AMERICANS THINK THEY WILL HAVE ENOUGH $ FOR RETIREMENT
Your Budget
Do you have a set monthly budget that accounts for housing, transportation, food, utilities, etc.? Is your budget working for you, and are you able to save? Now’s a great time to redo your budget if it’s not helping you achieve your goals.
Once you’ve completed your checkup, you’ll have a more detailed picture of your financial situation. Whether the answers you find are reassuring or revealing, you’ll know exactly where to start on your journey to stability. Remember, losing weight or getting buff doesn’t happen overnight — and neither does getting financially fit! This is a marathon, and you’ve already taken the first step toward the finish line.
1https://www.equifax.com/personal/
Wealth Management:
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Desert Financial Credit Union, Desert Financial Wills and Trusts, Desert Financial Insurance and Desert Financial Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.