Most people either avoid looking at their finances altogether, which creates quiet anxiety, or try to track everything at once and quickly feel overwhelmed.
But even Olympic athletes don’t track everything. A runner doesn’t monitor every heartbeat or calorie. A skier doesn’t obsess over every training session. They focus on a few meaningful metrics… the ones that actually tell them how they’re doing.
Your finances should work the same way.
If you’d like a simple place to begin, here’s one small 10-minute habit you can begin this week.
On the same day each week, write down these three numbers:
- Cash on hand (checking account balance): How much liquid money do you have right now?
- Next 30 days of obligations: Add up what’s coming due in the next month (bills, payments, subscriptions, insurance, anything scheduled).
- Progress toward one goal: Pick just one focus: savings, debt payoff, or investing. Write down the number that shows progress (example: total saved, debt balance, or contribution amount).
That’s all you need.
This is just a quick monthly check-in that keeps you aware, prepared, and in control, because getting financially fit isn’t about tracking everything—it’s about showing up consistently.
Need help getting started? AFP can help you put a simple structure in place and keep it consistent throughout the year.
Jeremy Zizmor is the founder of Assurance Family Partners, a company whose mission is to assist and empower individuals and families who need help managing their personal day-to-day finances. He is responsible for running all facets of the business.
