Self-Assessment Questionnaire on Financial Well-Being (Adapted from CFPB)
This 10-question scale, developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), measures how well your current financial situation supports both stability and freedom of choice.
This is a structured form you can answer to reflect on your financial standing:
I could handle a major unexpected expense
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I am securing my financial future
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I am keeping up with day-to-day expenses
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I have money left over at the end of the month
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I am making progress towards my long-term savings goals
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I feel in control of my finances
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I feel capable of meeting my financial obligations now
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I feel confident about my financial future
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
I feel stressed about money
Not at all / Very little / Somewhat / Very well / Completely
(Reverse scored for analysis—less stress indicates greater well-being.)
I am able to make choices that allow me to enjoy life
Completely / Very well / Somewhat / Very little / Not at all
This creates a snapshot of both your present financial resilience and forwardlooking confidence. It’s a consumer-validated and reliable tool for financial well-being measurement.
Guiding Interpretation & Reflection
Once you’ve answered each question, here’s how you can reflect on your responses:
Mostly “Completely” or “Very well” — You’re likely in a strong place, both practically and emotionally.
Mixed answers — A balanced picture: some strengths, some areas needing support.
Mostly “Somewhat” or lower — It’s a signal to take action—small steps can make a big difference.
Broadened Toolkit: Signs of Financial Stress & Tune-Up Steps
Investopedia outlines five critical signals that your finances may need attention, along with a structured tuneup framework:
Key Warning Signs:
- Frequent money emergencies
- Rising debt levels
- Irregular or inconsistent saving habits
- Living paychecktopaycheck
- Absence of clear financial goals
Five-Step Tune-Up Strategy:
Assess your current finances — Track income, expenses, assets, debts.
Define SMART financial goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Create a budget plan — Techniques like the 50/30/20 rule can help guide allocation.
Build an emergency fund — Aim for 3–6 months of living expenses.
Reduce and manage debt — Use strategies like the avalanche method or debt consolidation.
Your Personal Action Plan
1. Complete the Self-Assessment
Reflect thoughtfully on each of those 10 prompts, ideally writing them out in a journal or spreadsheet.
2. Identify Key Areas for Improvement
Which statements did you answer lower on? Are you worried about emergencies? Saving? Debt?
3. Dive into the Tune-Up Tools
Apply the Investopedia tuneup steps tailored to your needs—whether that means building an emergency cushion, refining your budget, or setting clearer goals.
4. Track Your Progress Over Time
Periodically (monthly or quarterly), revisit the selfassessment to chart improvements—and celebrate every win, no matter how small.
Let’s Grow This Together
You’re already showing clarity and purpose just by exploring this—let’s make it even more powerful together.