Quiz: Learn more about your money habits
Answer nine simple questions that will make you really think about how you handle money—and score some helpful tips.
Quiz: Learn more about your money habits
You have big plans for your future (and finances), but you need a little help getting there.
The best way for you to start building financial happiness is to set a strong foundation. Here are great places to start:
Create categories
Divide expenses into categories—like “Essentials” and “Fun”—to help you spend on what’s truly important.
Spend and save
The next time you make a nonessential purchase, place that same amount in your savings for a future goal.
Set reminders
Create calendar notes for big recurring payments like taxes or insurance policies.
You have big plans for your future (and finances), but you need a little help getting there.
Hard work is helping you progress toward your goals, although you may be able to reach them faster. Here are some ideas:
Cut a nonessential expense
Write down one expense that’s getting in the way of a long-term goal, and then cut it from your budget.
“Snowball” debt payments
Focus on eliminating small debts first, and then put those payments toward bigger balances to start a snowball effect.
Maintain accounts
Check your credit card accounts—if you haven’t used one for a while, use it for a small purchase so it stays open.
You have big plans for your future (and finances), but you need a little help getting there.
If you’re on top of your budget and retirement plan, keep it up! Now may also be the perfect time to step back and reassess what matters most. Here are some ideas:
Buy some time
Budget for an affordable time-saving service to help you destress (like meal kits or housecleaning).
Pause a service
Temporarily suspend a membership or streaming service to free up some cash flow for other priorities.
Savor successes
After a win—big or small—acknowledge the moment and allow it to help grow your confidence and momentum.
You like to take a step back and see things from a bird’s-eye view. You probably don’t make rash decisions, but you may overthink things.
Mastering the financial basics is an essential step on your journey to financial confidence. Start small with these simple ideas:
Opt out
Do those “50% off” email alerts trigger impulse buys? Hit that unsubscribe button.
Clear the stream
Choose only your top one or two streaming services and cut the rest.
Auto-fund
Set a portion of your paychecks to automatically go into your retirement and savings accounts.
You like to take a step back and see things from a bird’s-eye view. You probably don’t make rash decisions, but you may overthink things.
You’re getting more comfortable with taking action. To keep that momentum going without getting analysis paralysis, consider these suggestions:
Protect yourself
Change passwords to a string of unrelated characters or words for better protection against scammers.
Network for passion
Expand your skills and potential earnings by engaging with experts who’ve mastered your hustle of choice.
Cancel a membership
Do you really need that gym membership? Or could you just run outside and do bodyweight exercises in your living room?
You like to take a step back and see things from a bird’s-eye view. You probably don’t make rash decisions, but you may overthink things.
Take a step back and have a heart-to-heart with yourself: Are your financial actions reflecting your values and what matters most? Consider these easy exercises:
Treat yourself
In moderation, certain purchases can make you feel happy. Don’t feel guilty for buying an Americano.
Don't sweat small stuff
When things get difficult, control what you can and let go of what you can't. The result can be a wave of optimism that pushes you to accomplish great things — even in troubled times.
Keep it balanced
For every negative thought you have, think intently about the positive opposite.
You have the motivation and talent, but you may struggle with sticking with the habits you know will lead you to your long-term goals.
The key to your rising stardom? Getting the financial basics in place and sticking to them. Consider these three ideas to help jump-start your journey:
Stay alert
Download an app or enable notifications to remind you to pay bills on time. We all forget—we are human, after all.
Spend and save
The next time you make a nonessential purchase, place that same amount in your savings for a future goal.
Cut a nonessential expense
Write down one expense that’s getting in the way of a long-term goal, and then cut it from your budget.
You have the motivation and talent, but you may struggle with sticking with the habits you know will lead you to your long-term goals.
You’re ahead of the curve: You have well-thought-out goals, although sometimes you may benefit from an assist. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Up your credit IQ
Learn the fundamentals to understand what helps or hurts your credit score.
Consider hidden expenses
Preparing to buy a home? Consider extra costs like an HVAC inspection before buying—it could save you thousands.
Protect yourself
Change passwords to a string of unrelated characters or words for better protection against scammers.
You have the motivation and talent, but you may struggle with sticking with the habits you know will lead you to your long-term goals.
Get more joy from your saving and spending by stepping back to reflect on what matters most. Here are ideas that could give your money and mind some extra “oomph”:
Buy some time
Budget for an affordable time-saving service to help you destress (like meal kits or housecleaning).
Give back
Set aside time or resources for a cause you believe in, which can help provide connection and a sense of purpose.
Invest in health
Moving more during the day and eating your veggies can reduce the cost of health expenses down the road.
You understand money and keep it under control. Your main hurdle might be trying something new because the way you’re used to doing things has been fine.
The key to staying calm while stepping forward into the unknown? Getting the basics in place and sticking to them. Consider these three ideas to help jump-start your journey:
Maintain accounts
Check your credit card accounts—if you haven’t used one for a while, use it for a small purchase so it stays open.
Set reminders
Create calendar notes for big recurring payments like taxes or insurance policies.
Career considerations
Kombucha in the breakroom may sound cool—but before saying yes to a new gig, check the 401(k) program.
You understand money and keep it under control. Your main hurdle might be trying something new because the way you’re used to doing things has been fine.
You’ve done your financial prep and have solid goals, but you might benefit from some new strategies. Consider these ideas:
Protect that PIN
Using your debit card? Process it as a credit card transaction instead to avoid entering your PIN, which is more vulnerable.
Live below your means
Avoid “lifestyle creep”—leading a more expensive lifestyle as your wealth or income increases.
Thinking of a career change?
When evaluating a job offer, think about how it can impact not only your career and your wallet, but also your overall happiness.
You understand money and keep it under control. Your main hurdle might be trying something new because the way you’re used to doing things has been fine.
Fine-tune your financial stride—are all your habits helping to bring you joy? Here are three ideas to consider:
Learn from FIRE.
"Financial Independence, Retire Early" may not be for everyone, but its principles can help you figure out and reach your goals.
Use purpose as a guide.
Writing a personal purpose statement can help you grow more confident in life—and with your money.
How your purpose can help guide you and your money decisions
[DISCLAIMER] This content does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or mental health advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or mental health professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.
