Financial Wellness Checklist

Your Financial Wellness Checklist: 8 Steps to Take Control of Your Money

Ever feel like your finances are running you instead of the other way around? You're not alone. Between bills, budgeting, saving, spending, and the occasional late-night online shopping spree (we’re not judging), managing your money can feel more like juggling flaming swords than balancing a checkbook.

But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple checklist can help you zoom out, spot the gaps, and confidently move toward your goals. Whether you're saving for a house, knocking out debt, or just trying to stop wondering where the heck your paycheck went, we’ve got your back.

Use this Financial Wellness Checklist from Fort Worth City Credit Union to get your finances in order, one step at a time.

The 8-Step Financial Wellness Checklist

1. Know Where You Stand

Pull out all your accounts (checking, savings, credit cards, loans, etc.) and take inventory. What do you owe? What do you own? This snapshot is your starting point.

2. Build a Realistic Budget

Yes, the "B" word. But budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. List your income, subtract your fixed expenses, and give every dollar a job (including fun money—life's too short for zero tacos).

3. Start an Emergency Fund

Aim for $500–$1,000 to start, then work toward 3–6 months of expenses. Keep it in a separate savings account so it’s harder to "accidentally" spend.

FWCCU tip: Our CD savings options can help you grow that rainy day fund faster.

4. Tackle High-Interest Debt

List your debts by interest rate and prioritize paying off the most expensive ones first (hello, credit cards). Consider a personal loan or balance transfer to lower your rate and simplify payments.

5. Automate What You Can

Bills, savings, loan payments—set them on autopilot so you're not relying on memory (or sticky notes). It saves time, late fees, and stress.

6. Review Your Subscriptions & Spending Habits

Do you really need 5 streaming services and a monthly sock subscription? Trim the fat and redirect that money to your savings or debt goals.

7. Set Short- and Long-Term Goals

Want to travel more? Buy a house? Retire before 70? Write it down. Visualize it. Then align your spending to support it.

FWCCU tip: Not sure where to start? Check out SyncUp, a personal financial management tool that helps you set budgets and goals right inside digital banking.

8. Stay on Top of It

Financial wellness isn’t a one-and-done deal. Revisit this checklist quarterly or after major life changes. Celebrate your wins, reset where needed, and keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts: Your Money, Your Move

Financial wellness is about progress, not perfection. This checklist isn’t meant to be completed in one day—but it is meant to give you clarity and confidence. At Fort Worth City Credit Union, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you're rebuilding, fine-tuning, or just getting started.

Need a little help with step 1 (or step 8)?
Let’s talk. Call, text, or stop by—we’d love to help you reach your financial goals.