There are many reasons why it’s important to get your finances in order, according to Joe Sangl, a financial blogger and author at my church. I know we are all busy, but if we take the time to get organized it can make a world of difference.
Part One: Understand why you are doing it to begin with.
Sangl lists some reasons why you should get organized financially:
Control – It’s hard for the finances to run out of control when you are focusing intently on your financial affairs.
Improved Financial Focus – We tend to improve what we focus our attention on.
We will all die one day – Why not have it all organized for our family?
Part Two: Prepare a list of all your financial accounts.
I am actually not as organized as I would like to be in many areas of my life. But with a little one on the way, I am making sure things are in order around the house and financially. Making a list of all your financial accounts will probably be challenging, says Sangl. Gather your financial statements so you can put together a one or two page document that details your finances. Here is a Free Tool (Financial Accounts Form (MS Word) or Financial Accounts Form (PDF)) to help!