Step 1 Preparation
Step 1 is the most involved step in terms of gathering data. The more accurate you are in doing this, the more clarity you will get about your current situation. To get the most out of Step 1 it will be helpful to:
- Locate your Social Security Administration (SSA) “Statement of Earnings.” The SSA sends out these statements annually. If you don’t have a recent copy you can visit your local SSA office or go to their website to request one.Your SSA statement lists your reported income since you started working.
- Recall or gather records of money received that is not reflected in your SSA Statement.
- Find out the current balances on your bank accounts, loans and other debts. (Check your statements, call your bank).
- Get an idea of the current value of your house, car and other valuable possessions.
- Refer to the Financial Integrity web site for additional resources (www.financialintegrity.org).