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 5

Get copies of your credit reports

Your credit reports can provide a snapshot of your overall financial situation. Reviewing your credit reports for accuracy can also help you to identify errors or fraudulent activity. Fortunately, it is easier than ever to obtain copies of your reports.

The FACT Act gives every consumer the right to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. To get your free report, simply fill out the request form. You can also visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.

The three major credit bureaus are separate entities. It is important to know this because the information in their reports may vary slightly. Different creditors use different reports (or a combination of them) to determine whether or not you are creditworthy.

Your creditworthiness matters most when you are trying to obtain credit. If your credit report indicates that you have maintained your credit well, you should have a good chance of receiving additional credit when needed, provided you have enough income to qualify for additional credit.

Credit reports might also matter when renting an apartment, obtaining insurance or securing some types of employment. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) dictates that credit information is accessible to others only for certain permissible purposes. For your protection, you are entitled by law to know who has received a copy of your report or inquired about it.

Want to know more? Take a free online Webinar titled Your Credit Report and Credit Score.

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