Taking Control - Financial Management

Managing money effectively to meet present and future goals is a learned skill. Start simple and get family members to help. Realize that you're going to be derailed at times, but get back on track as soon as possible.

Know what records to keep:

• Which Records are Best Kept in a Safe Deposit Box?
• Organize Your Important Papers

Developing a Plan:

The choice between various savings and investment alternatives depends on your need for meeting short-term expenses vs. planning for longer-term goals.  Developing your own investment expertise is one of the most important steps you will ever take. If you decide to enlist the help of a financial advisor, be sure to thoroughly research backgrounds and qualifications objectively.

Investing 101:

Saving and Investing (Iowa Extension) - develop your own investment expertise

Choosing a Financial Planner:

10 questions to ask when choosing a financial planner from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards

Tools for estimating the cost/value of various components of your plan:

• The Costs of Raising a Child (University of Minnesota)
• Oregon College Savings Plan - Information about the from the Oregon State Treasury
• Your Social Security Statement

Protect Your Credit and the "Big Three" Credit Reporting Agencies:

• Experian
• Equifiax
• Trans-Union

Know your rights to a free credit report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Other Consumer Information:

Hundreds of consumer and educational publications from the GSA's Pueblo Information Center

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Content Contact: Susan Busler