1. Open Both a Checking and Savings Account
Start with the basics. A separate checking and savings account helps you manage day-to-day expenses while setting aside money for future needs.
2. Only Use Savings for True Necessities
Treat your savings as off-limits unless you’re facing essential living expenses—not wants or luxuries.
3. Save 10–20% of Your Income
Make it a habit to set aside at least 10% of your earnings—and more if you can. Automate your savings for consistency.
4. Pay Off Credit Cards in Full Each Month
Avoid carrying balances and high interest. Less than one-third of Americans pay off their cards monthly—be in the smarter third.
5. Buy Life Insurance Early
The best time to buy life insurance is when you’re young and healthy—both factors determine your cost. Don’t wait.
6. Protect Your Family with Term Life Insurance
A large term life policy can provide a financial safety net for your loved ones if the unexpected happens.
7. Plan Early for Chronic and Critical Care
Secure whole life insurance or other long-term care coverage early, when premiums are still affordable.
8. Be Modest with Home Buying
Avoid stretching your budget. Consider a roommate—just make sure to do your due diligence beforehand.
9. Choose a High Deductible for Your Auto Insurance
A higher deductible typically means lower monthly premiums. It’s a smart trade-off if you have emergency savings.
10. Avoid Buying Individual Stocks—Period
No matter how convincing someone sounds, individual stocks carry high risk. Diversification is key.
11. Protect Your Social Safety Net
Support programs like Social Security and Medicare—they are vital backstops when life throws curveballs.
12. Max Out Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Use Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and 529 plans to build wealth efficiently and minimize taxes.
13. Watch Out for High Fees
Avoid actively managed funds. Over time, high fees can eat into your returns significantly.
14. Avoid Industrial Securities Entirely
These complex investments often favor insiders. Chances are, the person selling knows more than you do.
15. Choose Low-Cost, Diversified Mutual Funds
Target-date funds and other well-diversified mutual funds can offer a simple path to long-term growth.
16. Max Out Your 401(k) or Workplace Retirement Plan
Take full advantage of employer-sponsored retirement accounts—especially if there’s a match.
17. Work Only with Fiduciary Financial Advisors
Ensure your advisor is legally obligated to put your interests first. Ask them to commit to fiduciary standards in writing.
18. Support Social Security
It’s an essential safety net that provides critical income when retirement doesn’t go as planned.
19. Invest in Low-Cost Index & Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
These funds offer broad diversification at a fraction of the cost of active management.
20. Keep This Checklist Handy
Sometimes, all the best financial advice fits on one card. Review it regularly—and stick to it.
