FRANKLYWNOW - Lesko: A Financial Health Quiz. How Will You Score?

By Fox 40 Staff.
Jason: Can a simple quiz reveal how healthy you are, financially? Greg Lesko of Lesko Financial helps us find out. Greg.

Greg: Thanks Jason. It's five questions, and it's been used by the Federal Reserve to study the state of consumer finances.

Two economists have found that it not only sums up your financial health today, but is a good predictor of future wealth.

Jason: Sounds simple; let's hear the questions.

Greg: First--did you save any money last year? Score one point if you did.
Then, take another point if you haven't missed any loan or mortgage payments in the past year.

Third, another point if you had no balance on your credit cards after you made your most recent payments. How are you doing so far?

Jason: Not bad, what are the last two questions?

Greg: next--your liquid assets, cash in a bank for example.
are they at least 10-percent of your total assets? And fifth, is the amount you pay on debt each month--principle and interest-- less than 40 percent of your income? One point each if you answered yes to those.

Jason: What does your score mean?

Greg: The average score on this quiz was "3." If you did less than average- -you've got some work to do. A "3" or better?--you're in good financial health.
All 5 points?--you're in verygood shape, not just today, but for tomorrow, too.
Because saving money, making payments on time, having cash for emergencies and not paying too much for debt all make it possible to invest more and build wealth.
so a good score should also help you feel more optimistic about your financial future.