Finances

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

ASAP:

Establish an emergency fund of liquid assets approx. equal to at least 3 months income
Consider using a credit union checking account vice one at a bank - credit unions usually cost you significantly less than banks
Save money automatically, e.g., deducted from your pay to go to savings (e.g., company retirement plan, mutual fund, brokerage account, credit union account, bank savings account)
Keep your finances as simple as feasible, e.g., reduce number of credit cards, accounts
Set up a simple record-keeping system which works for you
Plan for retirement daily... remember that:

• Life expectancies are increasing
• Employers have been cutting back on their retirement plans
Buy a residence (try to have mortgage paid off by the time you retire) - to take advantage of tax benefits
- Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage
- Live below your means
- Establish your financial goals, e.g., buy a house, pay for college, be able to retire at a young age

Keep checks in safe place (so a criminal won't be able to get your account #, create checks and write checks on your account)
Write as few checks as possible (so criminal won't be able to get your account #, create checks and write checks on your account)
Draw line after the payee ‚Ä¢ so crooks can't write in additional letters to make themselves the payee
Take outgoing mail with checks in them directly to the PO or a public mailbox, vice leaving in your mailbox
Check bank statements immediately for unauthorized checks
Consider having payments made automatically from your checking account (mortgage, car, estimated taxes, college savings, insurance, 401K, IRA, etc)
Ensure you keep sufficient funds in the account to cover automatic payments