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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How to improve your financial health
Build a foundation
- 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.
- Learn Your Free 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.
- Beware of Predatory Lenders: Know the warning signs of a toxic loan.
Stack up wins
Manage 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.
Build your credit score
- How to Build Credit Fast: 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.
Work 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 ways you can set aside money over time and find the best plan for you.
Save for a home
- First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Those new to the housing market have some key help.
- Buying a Home With Bad Credit: It is possible — here’s what to know.
- 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.
- How Much House Can I Afford? Enter your income, monthly debt payments, and down payment to get your answer.
Make the most of your money
Maintain financial health
- The Benefits of Diversification: Why financial pros suggest you spread investment dollars across a range of assets to reduce investment risk.
- Choosing a Financial Advisor: Find a professional to help you meet your goals.
Save and invest for retirement
- The Best Retirement Investments: 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.