Your Financial Health

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- Savings and debt paydown: Are you able to cover your needs, your wants and still have enough to build savings and pay down debt over time? The 50/30/20 budget is a good measure.
- Debt-to-income ratio: This comparison of your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income gives you a good idea of how manageable your debt load is. It's also a common measure used by creditors in making approval decisions.
- Credit score: Even if you don't plan to apply for more credit, a good or excellent score can play a role in things like apartment applications, insurance costs, utility deposits and more.
- Emergency fund: Having enough in the bank to weather financial shocks protects you from debt spirals and the credit score damage that comes from missing bill payments.
- Insurance: This protects assets — such as vehicles, personal possessions and your home — and it also protects dependents in case you're unable to work.
- Financial planning: Staying financially healthy means saving toward retirement, working on estate planning and more.

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Building foundations
- Banking 101: The traditional banking system has some benefits that alternatives don’t, such as fraud protection, free check cashing and access to lower-cost loans.
- Emergency Fund: What It Is and How to Build One: Research shows that even a few hundred dollars in reserve can mean budget shocks don’t derail your life.
- How to Build a Budget: A plan for maximizing your money doesn’t have to be complex.
- What You Need to Know About Building Credit: Building your score can save you money and let you borrow at better rates.
- A Simple ‘Recipe’ for Managing Your Credit Score: Know a few key ways to build your score.
- How to Pay Bills When You Can’t Pay Your Bills: If you can't cover everything, check out these sources of help and strategies to minimize the fallout.
- 6 Ways to Get Free Money From the Government: Programs include help with utility costs, child care, college — even help with a down payment on a house.
- What Is a Payday Loan? These high-cost, short-term loans are risky, but there are alternatives.
- Beware of Predatory Lenders: Know the warning signs of a toxic loan.
Stacking up wins
Managing debt
- Tools and Tips to Pay Off Debt: Learn strategies to speed up debt payoff.
- Understanding Debt Relief: Struggling with debt? Learn options for help, plus their pros and cons.
Building your credit score
- How to Build Credit: Adding more points to your score saves you money and unlocks access to things you want.
- How to Rebuild Your Credit: If you’ve made some missteps, you can recover — these strategies will help.
Working toward financial goals
- How to Manage Your Money: These strategies help you make sure each dollar does the most for you.
- Intro to Retirement Planning: Start where you are and with what you have. Every bit helps.
- Beginner Guide to Investing: What to know about goals, timelines and the amount of risk that makes sense for you.
- College Savings Strategies: Explore the many ways you can set aside money over time.
Saving for and buying a home
- Buying a Home With Bad Credit: It is possible — here’s what to know.
- First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Those new to the housing market have some key help.
- How to Save for a Down Payment: You might not need as much as you think.
- Down Payment Assistance: Getting Help Buying a House: These programs can help, even if you’re not new to the housing market.
Doing great
Maintaining financial health
- How to Achieve Perfect Credit: An excellent score unlocks the best terms, but some people like to aim for 850.
- Investing Your Savings For Short- and Long-Term Goals: Knowing the timeline you’re on helps you make the best choices.
- What Is Asset Allocation? Learn about balancing where you put your money to best reflect your age, goals and risk tolerance.
- Choosing a Financial Advisor: Find a professional to help you meet your goals.
Saving and investing for retirement
- How to Save More for Retirement: It’s all about how you account for savings in your budget.
- IRAs vs. 401(k): How to Choose: How to weigh what account is best for you.
- How to Invest in Stocks: Get started with an online brokerage account — it’s easier than you might think.
- Best Investments for Any Age or Income: Fine-tune your approach, depending on your circumstances.
- Choosing the Best Index Funds: It all starts with deciding a goal for your money.