I know my essential monthly expenses.

The non-negotiable cash outflow required for shelter, utilities, food, healthcare, and minimum debt service.

I know how much cash I currently have available.

Liquid balances in checking, high-yield savings, and money market funds accessible without delay or penalties.

I know how much debt I currently owe.

A complete inventory of outstanding balances, interest rates, and required monthly minimum payments.

I know which expenses I could reduce or pause during a financial shock.

Discretionary subscriptions, dining, travel, and non-critical services that can be paused immediately.

I have identified the cash I could access quickly.

Funds located in FDIC/NCUA-insured deposit accounts accessible within 24 to 48 hours.

I know which portion of my cash is reserved for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Separating transactional checking balances from dedicated emergency reserves prevents accidental leakage.

I know approximately how long my current accessible cash could cover essential expenses.

Calculated as accessible cash divided by essential monthly expenses (see the optional calculator below).

I have considered upcoming large expenses that aren't part of my normal monthly spending.

Anticipated irregular obligations such as semi-annual insurance premiums, property taxes, or planned maintenance.

I know what would happen to my income if I lost my job.

Familiarity with company severance policies, accrued PTO payouts, and state unemployment insurance timelines.

I know when my employer health coverage would end after leaving my job.

Whether coverage terminates immediately on your last day of employment or continues through the end of the month.

I know what short-term disability coverage I have, if any.

Waiting elimination periods (e.g. 7 or 14 days) and the percentage of base salary replaced during illness or injury.

I know what long-term disability coverage I have, if any.

Policy definitions ('own-occupation' vs 'any-occupation'), benefit caps, and duration for extended medical incapacitation.

I know which employer benefits would disappear if I left my job.

Employer group life, accidental death, subsidized healthcare, and commuter benefits that lapse when you depart.

I have considered how I would cover essential expenses during an extended income interruption.

Planning the sequence of reserves, emergency cash buffers, partner income, or secondary income options.

I know where my major financial accounts are held.

A centralized mental or secure roster of institutions without recording private credentials.

I can access my bank accounts.

Active credentials and two-factor authentication methods verified and working for checking and savings portals.

I can access my investment accounts.

Current access to taxable brokerage and mutual fund platforms.

I can access my retirement accounts.

Active logins for current and prior employer 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and Roth IRA custodians.

I know where my employer equity is held, if applicable.

Access to equity administration portals (e.g. Carta, Morgan Stanley Shareworks, E*TRADE) for RSUs, options, or ESPP.

I have reviewed account beneficiaries where applicable.

Beneficiary designations on 401(k), IRA, and brokerage accounts bypass probate and take precedence over a will.

My important account information is stored securely.

Encrypted password manager or protected documentation avoiding unencrypted spreadsheets or paper exposed to theft.

I have a backup method for accessing important accounts if my primary device is unavailable.

Hardware keys, printed backup 2FA recovery codes, or an alternate authorized device configured in advance.

I know where my important financial documents are.

Physical or digital location for titles, deeds, birth certificates, and estate plans.

I have copies of important insurance documents.

Health, home/renters, auto, disability, and life insurance policy declarations and carrier claims contacts.

I can locate recent tax records.

Federal and state tax returns (W-2s, 1099s, Form 1040) from at least the past 3 to 7 years.

I know where my employment and benefits documents are.

Offer letters, severance policies, equity grant agreements, and health benefit summary plan descriptions.

I have a secure way to store important financial information.

A fireproof safe for vital paper documents or encrypted zero-knowledge cloud/local digital storage.

Someone I trust knows how to locate critical information if necessary.

A designated trusted person or executor understands how to access emergency instructions if you are incapacitated.

I know the interest rates on my major debts.

Identifying high-APR revolving balances that compound rapidly versus low fixed-rate amortizing loans.

I know which debt payments are essential.

Secured obligations tied to survival (housing mortgages, vehicle financing for commuting) versus unsecured consumer loans.

I know which debts have variable rates or changing terms.

Credit cards, ARMs, and variable student loans that adjust higher when benchmark interest rates shift.

I know what would happen if I temporarily couldn't make a payment.

Understanding grace periods, late fee structures, credit bureau reporting triggers, and lender hardship programs.

I know which expenses could be reduced during a financial shock.

Discretionary subscriptions, dining, memberships, and flexible line items ready to be paused immediately.