Wealth & Wisdom

Your Next Chapter After 40

A Financial & Career Reset Checklist

Use these prompts to pause, notice what you already know, and choose a few practical actions for the next 90 days. There is no perfect order and no need to solve everything today.

Where You Are Now

Start with a clear, kind look at your current reality. Check the statements that feel true today, and circle any item you want to understand better.

I can describe my current monthly take-home income and where it comes from. I know the total of my monthly essentials, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and care. I have a clear list of my debts, minimum payments, interest rates, and due dates. I know how much I have in savings and what amount I need to keep available for near-term needs. I can name one expense I could review, pause, or renegotiate without putting my well-being at risk. I have identified any income changes, career concerns, or financial setbacks I want to respond to. I have at least one person, organization, or resource I can turn to for support and accountability. I can give myself permission to move at a steady pace instead of making every decision at once. I am ready to choose one small action that creates more clarity in the next 30 days.

One financial fact I want to clarify

How I want to feel 90 days from now

The Value You Already Have

Transferable skills are abilities you have practiced in many settings—paid work, family life, volunteering, school, faith communities, or your own projects. Rate each skill from 1 (still building) to 5 (a strength), then write where you have used it.

SkillRate 1–5Where have you used it?

CommunicationRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

OrganizationRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

Problem-solvingRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

Customer serviceRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

LeadershipRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

BudgetingRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

TeachingRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

TechnologyRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

SalesRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

CaregivingRating: ____ / 5Where I used it:

A skill I want to use more intentionally

Your Three Next Steps

Choose three actions that are realistic for this season. They might be financial, career-related, or connected to a new opportunity. Small and specific is powerful.

Step 1

What is it?

First small action

When will it happen?

Step 2

What is it?

First small action

When will it happen?

Step 3

What is it?

First small action

When will it happen?

Your next chapter starts with a plan.

For reflection and education only. Use your own judgment and seek qualified professional guidance for decisions that need individualized advice.