There are many definitions of what constitutes being financially well, but overall, the
Financial Wellness Dimension involves things such as income, debt, and savings, as well as your understanding of financial processes and resources. Your satisfaction with
your current financial situation and future prospects also comes into play.

Check out where you are on your Financial Wellness profile:

40-50: Great effort! Your Financial Wellness is in tip-top shape!!
30-39: You're on your way!! Wonderful, don't stop now!!!
20-29: The more you focus the better you get!! Focus on one or two aspects to improve. Small steps, consistently will get you there!!!
10-19:There is no time like now to pick up some great financial habits!! You can do this!!!
0-9: Wow, nobody has ever scored that number! Call me quick!!!

Work

• How does the domain of financial wellness
impact your life? How it is related to your
wellness?
• Does your current job allow you to meet your
obligations and have resources to do things
you enjoy?
• Are you working in a field that you are
passionate about or do well? Or are you
looking at doing something differently,
perhaps more personally gratifying?
• Are you looking for paid or volunteer work?

Tips:

• Check out the classified ads— particularly on Sunday.
Search them online any day of the week.
• Explore sites like Careerbuilder.com or Monster.com,
and consider establishing a profile on LinkedIn.
• Visit the unemployment office in your state or county
to find classes that could train you for a job.
• Have your résumé updated so you can promptly
submit it when you see an opportunity.
• If you receive disability benefits, explore your work
options without losing SSI/SSDI benefits until
you can support yourself. For a guide to working
without affecting your benefits, go to: http://www.
socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf

Checking/Savings Accounts

• Do you balance your checkbook often
enough, ensuring that you don’t overextend
yourself?
• Are your savings in line with your life goals,
such as taking a vacation, home ownership,
or retirement?
• Do you have a weekly or monthly budget so
you can plan for expenses such as rent and
groceries and have a little left over to enjoy?

Tips:

• Ask the bank about the types of accounts available—
such as checking and savings accounts—so you are
using them to your advantage and gaining interest
where available.
• Find out if the bank offers tools you can use to keep
track of your money.
• If you’re receiving disability benefits, there’s a limit
on how much you can save without affecting your
benefits. Read more about allowable savings at: http://
www.ehow.com/info_8247348_can-receive-ssi-socialsecurity.html

Debt

• Would it be helpful to figure out your total
debt and make a plan to pay it down in a
manageable way?
• Have you thought about getting help
from a person who specializes in money
management or personal finances?

Tips:

• Look in your classifieds or search online for
organizations that can help you pay down debt.
• Make sure you use a company that is credible.
• Consider asking your bank to help you with financial
planning and other areas where you may want
assistance.

Retirement/Other Accounts

• Have you opened a savings account or
another kind of account that works for you?
• However, if you’re receiving disability
benefits, there’s a limit on how much you
can save without affecting your benefits. SSI
requires that your resources are under $2,000
for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. This
includes bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds.
However, your home, household furnishings,
car, burial plots, and insurance under $1,500
are not included.

Tips:

• There are free or low-cost services that can help you
plan for the future. The local library can often direct
you to affordable financial planning resources.
• If you are receiving disability benefits, read more
about allowable savings at: http://www.ehow.com/
info_8247348_can-receive-ssi-social-security.html
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a tollfree number that can answer your questions Monday through Friday: 1-800-772-1213