Women’s Financial Knowledge Checklist

Take control of your finances—one smart step at a time.

Financial confidence starts with understanding—and understanding comes from asking the right questions. Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your financial plans, the checklist below is designed to help you assess where you are today and where you’d like to go.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. The more boxes you can check, the more empowered you’ll feel to make decisions that support your goals, your family, and your future.

Income & Budgeting

• How do I track my income and expenses each month?
• Do I have a clear budget that accounts for needs, wants, and savings?
• Am I aware of my net worth (assets minus liabilities)?

Saving & Emergency Fund

• Do I have an emergency fund with at least three to six months of living expenses?
• Am I consistently saving a percentage of my income?
• Do I automate savings to make it a habit?

Debt Management

• Do I know how much debt I have (student loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc.)?
• Am I paying off high-interest debt first?
• Do I avoid taking on unnecessary new debt?

Investments & Retirement

• Do I understand my retirement plan options (401(k), IRAs, pensions, etc.)?
• Am I contributing enough to take full advantage of available employer retirement matches?
• Do I have a diversified investment portfolio?

Credit & Loans

• Do I check my credit report at least once a year (you can use AnnualCreditReport.com)?
• Is my credit score in good standing (typically 700+)?
• Do I use credit responsibly to avoid high-interest debt?

Insurance & Protection

• Do I have adequate health, life, and disability insurance?
• Have I reviewed my insurance policies to ensure proper coverage?
• Have I considered long-term care insurance for future security?

Major Life Events & Planning

• Do I have a financial plan for major life events (buying a home, having children, starting a business, retirement)?
• Have I discussed finances with my partner (if applicable) and aligned goals?
• Do I have a plan for caregiving responsibilities if they arise?

Estate Planning & Legal Documents

• Do I have a will and power of attorney in place?
• Are my beneficiary designations on financial accounts up to date?
• Have I reviewed and updated my estate plan as needed?

Financial Education & Growth

• Am I actively learning about personal finance and investments?
• Do I seek professional advice when needed (financial planner, tax advisor, estate attorney)?
• Am I confident in my ability to manage my financial future?

If you checked most of these boxes, you're on the right track—keep it up!
If you found some areas with room to grow, that’s great too. Awareness is the first step toward action, and every small improvement builds momentum toward financial peace of mind.

Ready to take the next step?

Our Wealth Management team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're planning for retirement, investing for the future, or simply want to better understand your options, we’ll meet you where you are.

Let’s talk—reach out today for personalized guidance tailored to your goals.