Becoming
Financially Fit
Controlling
Finances
Credit
Basics
Protecting
My Money
Finding a
Good Job
Getting an
Education
Owning
a Home
You are here:
Becoming Financially Fit
>>
Financial Fitness Assessment
Contact Us
Printer Friendly
Home
5 Ingredients of Financial Fitness
Financial Fitness Assessment
Resources
Becoming Financially Fit
Now let's assess your financial fitness and find out where you need some help. Answer each question as True, False, or N/A (Not Applicable).
Beginning with Some Basics
1.
I keep all my financial papers in a safe place.
True
False
N/A
2.
I am open to people who want to help me.
True
False
N/A
3.
I know someone who is financially fit and am willing to ask this person for help.
True
False
N/A
4.
I have an emergency fund.
True
False
N/A
Managing Money
5.
I set financial goals and read them out loud often.
True
False
N/A
6.
I track how I spend money.
True
False
N/A
7.
I know how easy it is to spend money, so I:
• Look for spending leaks.
True
False
N/A
• Make a spending plan.
True
False
N/A
• Comparison shop.
True
False
N/A
• Stand up to peer pressure from friends or family to spend money
True
False
N/A
8.
I know what expensive financial services to avoid.
True
False
N/A
Understanding Credit
9.
I understand what credit is and why I need it.
True
False
N/A
10.
I understand the disadvantages of credit.
True
False
N/A
11.
I know about all the different types of credit I can use.
True
False
N/A
12.
I know what it costs to use credit.
True
False
N/A
13.
I know how to calculate the true cost of something purchased with credit.
True
False
N/A
Establishing and Building Credit
14.
I pay all of my bills on time, every month.
True
False
N/A
15.
I have accounts (for example, savings and/or checking) at a financial institution.
True
False
N/A
16.
I know how to use a credit card so it improves my credit.
True
False
N/A
Working with a Financial Institution, Credit Union or Bank and Saving Money
17.
I know the benefits of working with a financial institution.
True
False
N/A
18.
I understand how financial institutions and credit are connected.
True
False
N/A
19.
I understand that saving even the smallest amount of money is a good habit, and I know a variety of ways to save small amounts.
True
False
N/A
20.
I know what financial institution services can help me manage my money.
True
False
N/A
21.
I am familiar with fees financial institutions charge and know what to look for.
True
False
N/A
22.
I am comfortable looking for a financial institution to work with.
True
False
N/A
Reading a Credit Report
23.
I understand what credit reporting agencies are.
True
False
N/A
24.
I know what a credit report is.
True
False
N/A
25.
I know what to look for when I read my credit report.
True
False
N/A
26.
I know who is able to look at my credit report.
True
False
N/A
27.
I know what lenders look for when they read my credit report.
True
False
N/A
28.
I know how to order my free credit reports.
True
False
N/A
29.
I know how to order my credit score.
True
False
N/A
30.
I know when I need to order a copy of and read my credit report.
True
False
N/A
31.
I know how to correct errors on my credit report.
True
False
N/A
32.
I am familiar with my credit rights.
True
False
N/A
Improving Credit
33.
I know what financial behaviors improve my credit.
True
False
N/A
34.
I have a debt reduction plan.
True
False
N/A
35.
If I'm in a credit crisis and can't pay all of my bills, I know which ones to pay first.
True
False
N/A
36.
I know the difference between what credit counseling agencies and debt reduction businesses can do for me, and how each affects my credit.
True
False
N/A
37.
I know how to shop around for a reliable debt-reduction agency.
True
False
N/A
Protecting My Money
38.
I know what I need to do to avoid being ripped off.
True
False
N/A
Protecting My Identity
39.
I understand what identity theft is.
True
False
N/A
40.
I know the signs of having my identity stolen.
True
False
N/A
41.
I know what to do if my identity is stolen.
True
False
N/A
Using Credit Cards
42.
I know how to use credit cards to improve my credit.
True
False
N/A
43.
I know all the fees my credit card companies can charge me, and when they can charge them.
True
False
N/A
44.
I pay off my credit card balance every month.
True
False
N/A
45.
I know when credit card companies can increase the interest rate on my balance without letting me know ahead of time.
True
False
N/A
46.
I negotiate terms with my credit card companies.
True
False
N/A
47.
I know the signs of having too much debt.
True
False
N/A
Finding and Keeping a Job
48.
I have a strategy for finding a better-paying job.
True
False
N/A
49.
I know how to fill out an application that an employer will want to read.
True
False
N/A
50.
I am comfortable writing a resume and cover letter that will get an employer's attention.
True
False
N/A
51.
I've been called for an interview and have practiced answers to potential interview questions.
True
False
N/A
52.
I understand what job benefits my employer might provide.
True
False
N/A
53.
I've asked my employer how I can qualify for training programs to advance my work skills.
True
False
N/A
54.
I understand everything listed on my paycheck.
True
False
N/A
55.
I understand what the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is and how it can help me.
True
False
N/A
56.
I understand what the Advance Earned Income Tax Credit is and how it can help me.
True
False
N/A
57.
I understand what an Individual Development Account (IDA) is and how fast it can make my savings grow.
True
False
N/A
58.
I can spot an employment scam when I see one.
True
False
N/A
Getting Childcare
59.
I know what child care options to look for.
True
False
N/A
60.
I know how to evaluate a day care center.
True
False
N/A
61.
I understand the options I have in paying for child care.
True
False
N/A
Advancing My Education or Job Skills
62.
I know what resources are available for getting my GED.
True
False
N/A
63.
I know approximately how much more I could earn by completing a vocational program or getting a degree from a two- to four-year college.
True
False
N/A
64.
I am familiar with various education options, and how to lower the cost of education.
True
False
N/A
65.
I am comfortable evaluating schools I might go to.
True
False
N/A
Owning a Home
66.
I understand how owning a home is connected to financial fitness.
True
False
N/A
67.
I know the financial risks of owning a home.
True
False
N/A
68.
I know about all the added expenses I'll have when I own a new home.
True
False
N/A
69.
I have a good idea of potential home repairs I might have to deal with as my home ages.
True
False
N/A
70.
I know how to avoid a dishonest contractor.
True
False
N/A
<< GO BACK
||
GO FORWARD >>
•
What is credit?
•
What does "good credit" mean?
•
I want to read my credit report.
•
What is a credit score?
NEFE HOME
|
HABITAT HOME
|
SITEMAP
|
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
©2008 NEFE. All rights reserved.
RETURN TO TOP