Money checklist

Ten steps, in order. Print it and tick them off. Print this page

1. Know your numbers. Write down your monthly take-home pay and your fixed costs. How
2. Give every part of your income a job. Needs, wants and saving, with an automatic transfer to savings on payday. How
3. Starter cushion. About one month of essential costs, kept apart from your current account. How
4. Stop expensive debt from growing. List every debt with its rate; pay the minimums on all and extra on one. How
5. Full emergency fund. 3 to 6 months of essential costs, more if your income is irregular. How
6. A date and amount for each goal. Holiday, car, home deposit: how much, by when, how much a month. How
7. Invest regularly, for the long term. Only money you won't need for years; low costs; spread widely. How
8. Check before you pay any firm. Official register, warning lists, and the real firm's contact details. How
9. If you trade: decide the risk first. A fixed small % per trade and a stop you respect. How
10. Once a year. Review your budget, rates you pay, fees you pay and your net worth. How

Education, not advice. I'm not a financial adviser and I don't know your situation. These tools show the maths behind common rules of thumb; check important decisions with a qualified professional. Full disclaimer.