Step 1

Successful money management is a process. Take the first step.

Step 2

This quick quiz will help you find your starting point.

Step 3

Clearing out the clutter will make organizing your records a lot easier.

Step 4

Set yourself up for success; start by appointing a CFO.

Step 5

Knowing where you are today can help you determine the best path toward helping you meet your financial priorities.

Step 6

Good credit is valuable. If your credit reports contain an error, taking the time to have it corrected can really pay off.

Step 7

As you start on the path of sound money management, determine how much money you have to work with.

Step 8

Determining your net worth sounds harder than it really is. Having your credit reports and financial statements in-hand makes the job easy.

Step 9

It's time to ask yourself if your debt is too much debt.

Step 10

Identifying needs and wants can keep you focused on what matters most.

Step 11

Don't just set goals, set SMART goals.

Step 12

Now it is time to develop those priorities into specific goals.

Step 13

Paying off debt is a short-term financial goal most consumers share.

Step 14

Emergency savings can make the difference between a financial setback and a financial disaster.

Step 15

Saving for retirement is a non-negotiable financial goal.

Step 16

Make a commitment to stay on track.

Step 17

Now that you know what you are working for, it is time to get to work!

Step 18

Find out where the money is going.

Step 19

Identify your fixed expenses.

Step 20

Periodic expenses come due whether you're ready or not.

Step 21

Create your spending plan.

Step 22

Small changes can add up to big savings.

Step 23

Saving money on groceries is one of the fastest and easiest ways to improve to your bottom line.

Step 24

Spread the wealth by sharing one of your money saving tips.

Step 25

Know where you want to be? This is how you will get there.

Step 26

Give yourself some peace of mind by making sure your family is on firm financial footing.

Step 27

Commit to making informed borrowing decisions.

Step 28

Remember that you don't have to go it alone; assemble a financial team to help.

Step 29

To stay motivated, acknowledge the benefits you will experience as a result of your efforts.

Step 30

You are ready and able to move forward. Are you willing?

Step 4

Set yourself up for success

While all members should be aware of the family’s overall financial situation, choosing one person to conduct the day-to-day financial tasks is a good way to stay on top of things. The appointed individual should be organized and a good communicator. They should be given uninterrupted time to do their tasks effectively.

Consider making the job of family CFO easier by establishing an online bill payment service (offered free-of-charge by many banks and credit unions). Even better, check with your creditors about setting up automatic bill payments.

Designate a spot in your home for organizing financial paperwork. Used office supply stores offer great bargains on filing cabinets, or consider small plastic filing cabinets instead of metal or wood. If your goal is have a paperless filing system, make sure that you back-up your computer regularly and invest in a good security program to prevent criminals from obtaining sensitive information. To keep your most valuable documents safe, consider opening a safety-deposit box at your local bank or credit union.

For help learning how to manage your important papers, setting up a home recordkeeping system, setting up a disaster recovery box, and documenting your household inventory, participate in this free 7-minute Webcast: Your Personal Financial Recordkeeping.

For further reading, learn how to set yourself up for financial success from time management expert Marcia Francois.

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