Financial Plan Checklist
4.8/5 with 369 votes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Our Financial Plan Checklist is designed to help you navigate your financial landscape effectively. From emergency funds to retirement savings, this template outlines essential steps to secure your financial future. Utilize our Checklist App to customize your plan, track progress, and collaborate with others. Whether you're saving for a big goal or managing debt, this checklist will keep you organized and focused. Click Save to begin optimizing your financial strategy and ensure you're on the right path to achieving your goals.
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- Plan for Emergencies First
- Start setting aside 5-15% of your income.
- Save enough to sustain your basic needs (utilities, groceries, and rent)
- Deposit this income into a money-market or dedicated savings account
- This money can cover unexpected necessary expenses, like car damages or crucial home repairs.
- Plan for Retirement Second
- Start by setting aside at least 3% of your income.
- If you are self employed, opt for an IRA.
- If your employer contributes to your retirement, put enough cash in your 401(k) to get the total matched sum.
- Don't touch this money for other purposes, like college funds, ;maintenance ;repairs or extra expenses.
- Allow 3 months to get used to your slightly smaller paycheck, and keep squirreling away for security
- Pad your Emergency Fund Third
- You should have saved 3-6 month's worth of living expenses by this point.
- If your income is comission-based or is freelance, you may need to stash away more (6-9 months, for example).
- Use any financial windfalls wisely
- Be prudent with your purchases, and monitor your spending to determine where you can cut back.
- Clear Credit Card Debt Fourth
- Don't touch your retirement or emergency funds for debt payment
- Make a list of all credit card bills.
- Pay off the bill with the highest rate first
- Transfer balance from a high-rate card to a low-rate card if possible
- Bump Up Retirement Savings Fifth
- Retirement savings should be your #1 priority! You can always borrow for other expenses, but not for retirement!
- Use a retirement savings calculator to determine how much you should boost your retirement fund per month
- Maximize Savings
- If you've been scoring your target for over a year, you can move onto the next step.
- Accomplish Other Financial Goals Sixth
- Clearly outline your savings goals and plan a budget
- Start saving the appropriate sum each month until you reach your target.
- If you have several financial goals, keep savings in seperate accounts to differentiate between the funds.
- Choose and Invest Wisely
Download or Print this Financial Plan Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Lauren Meir
Stats
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Views: 427
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Uses: 76
Tasks
31
Tasks: 31
Details
Budget wisely and plan for the future with our Financial Plan Checklist. Retirement may be a long way off, but it's never too soon to start saving. Get your finances in order, have an emergency fund and clear all credit card debt. Set your savings up right and you could be living the easy life down the road!
Who it's for
This Financial Plan Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Financial Plan essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Financial Plan structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Financial Plan Checklist
- Save Financial Plan Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Financial Plan (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
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Scores 4.80 with 369 votes