As a wise steward of your financial resources, it is a good idea to stop and examine where you are and how you are doing with regard to financial goals.  To that end, the following will help you attend to that task by focusing on the basics.

Budget.  Do you have a budget in place?  If so, are you following it as best you can?  Do you find that you need to make adjustments as your financial picture changes?  Have you had changes in your income or expenses that impact your original budget?  Answering these questions will help keep you centered on the primary function of your budget – control.  You hold the keys to your finances.  If you do not have a budget, make one.  If you do have a budget, consult it often.  Make it work for you, not against you.

Saving for retirement – at least 10%.  Do you have at least 10% of your income going to a qualified retirement plan like a 401k or an IRA?  If not, adjust your budget so that you can afford this important step.  While you are young, the decisions you make will affect the decisions you make when you retire.  Even though it seems like a long way off, it will be here sooner than you think.

Cash in Savings – Long term & Short term.  You should have two different savings accounts.  The first should be a short term, easy access account that gives you a source of cash for items that are unexpected.  These might include medical deductibles, replacement of a broken major appliance, a major car repair, etc.  The long term account should be an account that is more difficult from which to draw cash.  Like a money market or CD account.  They earn higher interest and because you do not need to get to the money that quickly, the unavailability is worth the extra interest.  This is money that you set aside for a major purchase like a home, or even paying cash for a vehicle (if you chose to pay cash instead of financing).  Major medical expenses can be draw from this account, also.

A checking account that works for you.  Checking accounts are pretty generic and mostly the same, but you can find some differences.  If you are unhappy with the one you have, try your local Credit Union.  These institutions offer very good rates and all of the amenities of a larger financial institution but with more personalized service.  Make sure that you can access your account via the Internet and that some sort of online bill paying option is there for you to use.

Taking a few minutes to make sure you are on the right track will help you maintain your focus and drive to reach your goals.  Remember, it is up to you to make it happen!