When last did you integrate your finances? Take our test to find out how healthy your finances really are. Write down the letters that best describe your answer to each of the questions below, and check your results to find out how your finances are looking.

How often do you check your financial statements?

A. Every month

B. Every six months or so

C. Once a year

D. Never – that’s my tax guy’s job! 

How far does your salary go every month?

A. Pretty far. I often have money left over at the end of the month

B. It’s tight, but I manage

C. I’m battling to make ends meet

D. It’s a mess. My debts are piling up 

How do you manage your budget?

A. I keep a written breakdown of everything I earn, spend and save

B. I’m looking for an app that’ll help me with that

C. It’s all in my head

D. I’m pretty sure my income covers my expenses

Disaster strikes! Could you come up with R25 000 in an emergency?

A. Definitely

B. Probably

C. Maybe

D. No chance 

How much of your monthly income goes toward servicing your debt?

A. 20%

B. 40%

C. 60%

D. 80%

Do you know what your net worth is?

A. Yes

B. More or less

C. Not really

D. What’s net worth?

If you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do?

A. Downscale until I’m back on my feet

B. Dip into my savings and make some changes

C. Live off my credit card until I find another job

D. Take out a short-term loan to keep things ticking over 

Are you on track for reaching your financial goals?

A. Yes! I know what I want, what it’ll cost, and how long I have to save up for it.

B. I know my goal but am fuzzy on the details

C. The future is wide open and I’m still deciding what I want

D. I’ll be happy if I can just get to the end of the month

Your results

Mostly As:

Your household (and your wallet) is in good financial shape, mostly because you have a clear idea of where you are and where you’re going. Smart financial management allows you to make ends meet while planning for your future.

Mostly Bs:

You’re nearly there. By keeping a close watch on your personal finances, you will soon be on the road to financial fitness. Speak to an Old Mutual financial adviser about your options and be sure to check on your budget and plans regularly to keep them aligned.

Mostly Cs:

You’re one unforeseen event or one bad month away from financial fragility. Enlist the help of a financial adviser (think of them as personal trainers to get you financially fit), who will help you to plan for the future and save for the present.

Mostly Ds:

Your finances are flat-lining. But you knew that already, didn’t you? Take control by working on your financial discipline (drawing up a budget is a good place to start), and give serious thought to where you want to be 10 or 20 years from now, and how you plan to get there.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute nor replace professional financial advice. Speak to an Old Mutual financial adviser to help you save in the present while building wealth for the future. Call 0860 468 378.

This article originally appeared in Today magazine, issue 1 2018.