Five Financial Questions Every Adult Should Know the Answer To

Financial confidence does not come from knowing every market headline or investment term. It starts with understanding your own financial picture.

Here are five questions every adult should be able to answer:

What does it cost to run my life each month?
Know your essential expenses, discretionary spending, and the amount left over to save or invest.

How long could I cover my expenses if my income stopped?
An emergency fund creates breathing room when life does not go according to plan.

How much debt do I have, and what is it costing me?
Understand each balance, interest rate, minimum payment, and payoff priority.

Am I saving enough for the goals that matter most?
A defined timeline and consistent contributions are needed for retirement, education, travel, buying a home, and other priorities.

Is my financial plan protected if something unexpected happens?
Review your insurance coverage, beneficiaries, estate documents, and the people who would need access to key information.

You do not need perfect answers today. However, if any of these questions are difficult to answer, you already have a great place to begin.

Which question do you think people overlook the most?

Partners

Brooks D. Shertzer, Sr.

Partner & Chief Operations Officer

brooks@dhtfg.com

Brooks graduated at the top of his class from Calvert Hall College High School and earned his B.B.A in Economics, Cum Laude from Loyola University Maryland Sellinger School of Business. He is a licensed Investment Adviser...

John C. Donohue, III, CFP®

Partner and Vice President

john@dhtfg.com

John began his career in financial services at Donohue-Hart & Associates, Ltd. in January, 2006, following a 23-year career in the retail wine industry. He represents the third generation of a family business established by his...

Michael J. Thomson, Sr., MBA, CLU

Partner and President

mike@dhtfg.com

Mike approaches each day eager to apply the experience and knowledge he has gained over more than 25 years in the financial and insurance services industry to support and nurture the dreams and goals of the individuals, families, and...