Do You Know Your Financial Vital Signs? | September 2026
The Doctor's Momma
Financial Wellness Coaching
September 2026 Issue
Financial Wellness Assessment
Do You Know Your Numbers?
When was the last time you checked your financial vital signs?
I had a physical last week and am waiting on the results. You know the numbers—blood pressure, weight, BMI, cholesterol, and other measurements that help determine whether we are healthy and well.
It’s funny how, especially as we get older or, as I like to say, more mature, we become increasingly interested in improving those “health numbers” so we can stay healthy and, hopefully, look good on the charts!
But did you know there are also numbers that can tell you about your financial wellness?
Just as your doctor uses certain measurements to evaluate your physical health, banks, accountants, financial planners, and financial wellness coaches use financial numbers and ratios to help evaluate your financial health.
The good news? You don't have to be a math expert to understand them.
As a financial wellness coach, I help clients look at their financial information, understand what their numbers are telling them, and identify practical steps they can take to improve their financial wellness.
Let's take a look at some of your financial “vital signs.”
Clinical Precision for Personal Wealth
The 5 Financial Vital Signs
A healthy financial baseline doesn’t require perfection; it requires awareness. Assess where your numbers stand today to plan your path forward.
01
Net Worth
Your total assets minus total liabilities. Net worth provides a comprehensive snapshot of where you stand and tracks your overall wealth accumulation trajectory over time.
02
Debt-to-Income
The percentage of monthly income directed toward debt service. Keeping this ratio below 36% protects cash flow and prevents financial strain.
03
Savings Rate
The proportion of gross earnings saved and invested. Aiming for 15% to 20% builds predictable compounding momentum for retirement and family legacy goals.
04
Emergency Fund
A liquid cash buffer holding 3 to 6 months of essential living expenses. This acts as your financial immune system against unexpected shocks.
05
Credit Score
A direct indicator of borrowing reputation and financial dependability. Consistent monitoring opens doors to optimal rates and lower lifetime borrowing costs.
Next Step
Review Your Chart
Knowing your numbers is the first act of self-care. Book a one-on-one session with me to interpret your data and build a personalized plan.
What's Your Financial Checkup Saying?
You don't need to wait for a financial crisis to check your numbers.
Just as regular physical checkups can help us identify areas that need attention, a financial wellness checkup can help you identify where you are doing well and where you may want to make changes.
You can't improve what you don't measure.
So, grab a cup of coffee, gather your financial statements, and take a look at your numbers.
And if you aren't sure what your numbers mean or where to begin that's where I can help.
Download the worksheet (link embedded) to learn your numbers. Let's plan a time to work through them together to keep you on track for your financial wellness.
Financial Wellness Tip
Don't focus on changing every number at once.
Choose one financial “vital sign” that needs attention and take one practical step to improve it. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time.
Steady progress brings prosperity.
Ready for Your Financial Wellness Checkup?
At The Doctor's Momma Financial Wellness Coaching, I help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your finances through practical guidance, accountability, encouragement, and tools designed to help you reach your financial goals.
Let's look at your numbers together and create a plan for moving forward one step at a time.
Blessings,
Bev Cook-McCrary
The Doctor's Momma
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized tax, investment, legal, or other professional financial advice.
Please feel free to forward this email on to a friend. Referrals are appreciated. Thank you.
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