Financial Empowerment Checklist

Financial Empowerment comes as you build personal knowledge and the ability to manage money on your own using the financial services that work for you. This checklist will help you identify the most relevant financial empowerment information and tools to share.
By using this checklist, you can find the right tools for you based on whatever financial challenges you may be facing.
To use the checklist:
- Print a copy of the checklist out
- Mark off when you have covered the topic or tool.
- Use the notes section to include information you’ve learned or want to refer back to.
Financial Empowerment Checklist
Name: _________________________________
Module 1: Setting goals and planning for large purchases
Ask yourself: Do you have clear goals? Are you satisfied with your financial situation?

Module 2: Saving for emergencies, bills, and goals
Ask yourself: Do you have money set aside for emergencies or unexpected expenses?

Module 3: Tracking and managing income and benefits
Ask yourself: Do you track your income and know the options for receiving pay and benefits?

Module 4: Paying bills and other expenses
Ask yourself: Do you pay bills on time each month? Do you understand and take advantage of available financial products to pay bills and plan spending?

Module 5: Getting through the month
Ask yourself: Are you able to make ends meet each month? Does the timing of your income match the timing of bills and expenses?

Module 6: Dealing with debt
Ask yourself: Do you feel overwhelmed by your debts or by debt collectors? Are you borrowing more money to pay off your debts?

Module 7: Understanding credit reports and scores
Ask yourself: Have you ever requested and reviewed your credit report?

Module 8: Money services, cards, accounts, and loans: Finding what works for you
Ask yourself: Are you interested in finding lower cost financial products or services to help manage income and expenses?

Module 9: Protecting your money
Ask yourself: Have you had issues with a financial product or service? Do you know about basic steps to protect yourself from scams, cons, fraud, and identity theft?

This Financial Empowerment Checklist was adapted from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

