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These are sample pages from the full workbook. The complete printed book has 40 pages and works well for lunch-and-learns and new-member packets. Free copies available — request kits.

For Adults 💼

The Money Toolkit

Adult Financial Education
A Fort McClellan Credit Union Workbook
Lesson 1

Your Real Monthly Budget

A budget is just a plan for the money you already have. Fill in real numbers — not the numbers you wish were true — and you will see exactly where you stand each month.

Worksheet

Money in, money out

Money inAmount / month
Take-home pay (after taxes)$
Other income (side work, support, benefits)$
Total money in$
Money outAmount / month
Housing (rent/mortgage, utilities)$
Transportation (car payment, gas, bus)$
Food & groceries$
Insurance (health, auto, home)$
Debt payments (cards, loans)$
Savings (pay yourself first)$
Everything else$
Total money out$

Left over (or short) = money in − money out = $ 

Prefer to do this online? Try FMCU's Budget Builder — it adds up your income and expenses for you and shows your monthly surplus or shortfall automatically.
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Lesson 2

Tackling Debt: Snowball vs. Avalanche

Both methods keep you making every minimum payment, then put any extra money toward one debt at a time. They differ only in which debt gets the extra first.

❄️ SnowballPay the smallest balance first. Quick wins keep you motivated to stick with it.
🏔️ AvalanchePay the highest interest rate first. Costs you the least money over time.
Worksheet

List your debts

DebtBalanceInterest rateMinimum payment
 $%$
 $%$
 $%$
 $%$
Decide

Circle the method you'll use — and why

I'm choosing:   Snowball  /  Avalanche

Good to know: If high-rate balances are the problem, FMCU may be able to help you consolidate them or move to a lower rate — which can shrink the interest you pay while you work the plan above.
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Lesson 3

Emergency Fund & Credit Health

An emergency fund is cash set aside for the surprises — a car repair, a medical bill, a gap between paychecks. A common target is 3 to 6 months of expenses.

Quick math

Find your target

My essential monthly expenses: $ 

Starter target (× 3): $ 

Full target (× 6): $ 

Your credit score affects the rates you're offered on loans and cards. A few main factors move it:

Payment history — paying on time
Amounts owed — how much of your credit you use
Length of credit history
New credit & mix of accounts
Habits that help

Four things you can start this month

  1. Pay every bill on time — set up autopay for at least the minimum.
  2. Keep card balances under about 30% of the limit.
  3. Leave older accounts open to lengthen your history.
  4. Check your free credit report and dispute any errors you find.
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💰

You've got the tools.

This was a preview of The Money Toolkit. The full 40-page workbook has more worksheets on saving, credit, homebuying, and retirement — plus space to build your own plan.

Have questions about your own numbers? Talk with a Fort McClellan Credit Union team member, or try the online Budget Builder.

Request free copies →
Fort McClellan Credit Union · Since 1953