Here are some tools to begin or refine your budgeting process. First evaluate how you feel about and use money with our Color of Money handouts. Use the worksheet, placing a check next to the answers you agree with in EACH of the colored boxes. Then use the key to reveal your money mindset.

Then, download one of the Spending Log sheets to track how you spend your money everyday for two weeks or so, or create your own expense log from our examples.

• Color of Money Worksheet
• Color of Money Key
• Spending Log 1
• Spending Log 2

Get more information on Financial Literacy classes at SCC.

Establishing and maintaining good credit begins with having an effective budgeting process in place to help you exert control over your personal finances. But there is much more to having a good, or even great, credit score. SCC provides some tools to help you keep your credit score top of mind and in the good to excellent range. 

• Boosting Credit: Secure Credit Cards
• FICO Factors (in Pie Chart)
• Damage Factors to FICO Score
• Credit Score Ranges Explained
• Credit Damage Shelf Life
• Debt Payments and Interest Levels

As part of the SCC Financial Literacy classes, participants learn that having a SMART savings plan is part of ensuring continued financial health. You can use savings for education, housing, a trip, a new household item, a special occasion. Having savings is also important in case of emergency.

Here are two tools that can help you grow your savings.

• Six Things Not to Do with Your Money
• Types of Savings