V1chapter 3 A Financial Needs Assessment Recipes

V1:CHAPTER 3: AN INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS

Steps:

• DIRECTIONS:Complete the Financial Worksheets in the order listed above. By completing the worksheets in this order, you will see what areas your family should be working on first. Refer to the picture to review the pie chart and see if you are allocating your funds as recommended by top financial advisors.To watch the video explaining more about Financial Preparedness, please do the following:1.) Click on the Play Video button and a new window will open directing you to save the video to your computer2.) After the new window opens, save the video file to your computer3.) Locate the file on your computer and click on it to watch the videoYour INCOME/EXPENSE STATEMENT (IES) will become your budget creator. OTHER FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS TIPS* Keep a small amount of cash (or traveler's checks) at home where you can get to it quickly* Keep some funds in a financial institution outside your local area, since disasters may affect your local financial institution. Payroll Direct Deposit is a quick and easy way to do this* Keep credit cards paid off. You may need to use one to draw on if you have a major emergencyAFTER AN EMERGENCY* Notify your insurance company of any losses and get advice about making emergency repairs* Ask your insurance company if they will pay for living expenses such as food, hotel and laundry if you are unable to live in your home* Create a preliminary list of damaged property and list the degree of damage to each item. Photograph the damage if possible* Collect all available receipts, cancelled checks, credit card statements and invoices to prove the value of lost items (these should already be in your Household Inventory Binder!)* Notify creditors about lost bills or difficulties in paying bills. Negotiate a payment agreement if necessary* Notify utility companies to stop billing you if your property has been damaged so severely that you can not live in it* Notify your employer(s) of your situationPLEASE NOTE: This is general advice. You should always consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. Prospering Families is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.

V1:CHAPTER 3: INCOME/EXPENSE STATEMENT (BUDGET CREATOR)

Steps:

• DIRECTIONS:Complete the Income/Expense Statement (IES) and print for your records. To download the IES, please do the following:1.) Click here and a new window will open directing you to save the spreadsheet to your computer2.) After the new window opens, save the spreadsheet to your computer3.) Locate the file on your computer and click on it to openYou should complete a new IES monthly. The IES also helps budget for upcoming expenses as you can adjust how much you spend in different areas. For example, if your car insurance is due one month, you might need to adjust your clothing or food allowance. It is helpful to set aside money each month for expenses that arise only periodically such as property taxes and car insurance. This way, these large bills won't hurt your budget on the month they come due.PLEASE NOTE: This is general advice. You should always consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. Prospering Families is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.

V1:CHAPTER 3: EXPENSE TRACKER WORKSHEET

Steps:

• DIRECTIONS:To download the Expense Tracker Worksheet, please do the following:1.) Click here and a new window will open directing you to save the spreadsheet to your computer2.) After the new window opens, save the spreadsheet to your computer3.) Locate the file on your computer and click on it to openFill out the Expense Tracker Worksheet daily, if possible, to see where ALL of your money is going, including CASH. This is a very effective tool to see where your money is going and where you can find extra money for your emergency funds.PLEASE NOTE: This is general advice. You should always consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. Prospering Families is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.

V1:CHAPTER 3: A FINANCIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Steps:

• DIRECTIONS:Click here to complete the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA).Studies show that finances are the number one thing that married couples argue about. Due to differences in upbringing, spouses tend to do what they watched their parents do with spending and savings habits, which can cause friction in a marriage if different spending and savings plans were used.Take the time to honestly answer the FNA questions. Then, ask each other where you can make improvements and make a strong commitment as a couple and as a family to reach your goals.PLEASE NOTE: This is general advice. You should always consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. Prospering Families is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.