Easy Step-by-Step Checklist for Building Wealth

Building Wealth From the Ground Up

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or finally ready to take control of your money, this practical guide breaks down the essentials of budgeting, saving, investing, and protecting your future. No jargon. No pressure. Just real, step-by-step actions to help you grow wealth with confidence—starting from wherever you are today.

Because building wealth isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

🧱 Step 1: Build Your Foundation

📊 Know your net worth
🧾 Create and follow a monthly budget
💵 Save a starter emergency fund 
💳 Pay off high-interest debt
📈 Review and monitor your credit score 

🎯 Step 2: Define Your Financial Goals

Before building a financial plan, you need a destination. Start by getting clear on what matters most to you.

💡 Ask yourself: How do I want my money to work for me?
Is it about freedom? Security? Legacy? Impact?

🧭 Clarify your values:
Write a short statement about what you value most—freedom, family, adventure, generosity, independence—and let that guide your goals.

📝 Break down your goals:

  • Short-term (0–2 years): Emergency fund, paying off debt, saving for a trip

  • Mid-term (3–5 years): Buying a home, starting a business, funding education

  • Long-term (6+ years): Retirement, legacy giving, financial independence

💬 Assign specific timelines and dollar amounts to each goal.

🔄 Rank your goals by urgency and personal impact.

💸 Step 3: Start Saving & Investing Early

🏦 Open a high-yield savings account
🤖 Automate monthly transfers to save/invest
🧓 Open a Roth or Traditional IRA
🏢 Contribute to a 401(k) (at least up to the match)
📚 Learn the basics: ETFs, index funds, diversification

🚀 Step 4: Get Investment-Ready

🔎 Know your risk tolerance and time horizon
💻 Choose a financial advisor or brokerage firm if you prefer to go it alone
🏆 Pay yourself first, you deserve to be your top priority
📆 Use dollar-cost averaging to stay consistent

📈 Step 5: Grow With Strategy

⏳ Avoid timing the market
📉 Reinvest dividends
📊 Review your portfolio quarterly
⚖️ Rebalance your investments annually
🎧 Keep learning – books, podcasts, blogs

🛡️ Step 6: Protect Your Progress

🩺 Consider insurance (health, home, auto, life)
🧾 Create a basic will and estate plan
🔐 Use identity protection tools
📁 Review your financial documents annually

✨ Pro Tip: Progress Beats Perfection

Start where you are. Small, consistent actions lead to long-term wealth.

Ready to build real wealth from the ground up?
✅ Download this checklist
✅ Share it with a friend
✅ Book a complimentary 15-minute financial review to walk through your goals and get professional feedback on your next best move.

No sales pitch—just clarity, confidence, and a plan.

© 2025 InFocus Wealth Strategies and MVP Money Moves are service brands of DeWitt Investment Research & Management, Inc., doing business as DeWitt Capital Management.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site and its blogs is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your individual circumstances. The examples, illustrations, and sample checklists are intended for general reference and are not meant to reflect any individual or family's specific needs or outcomes. They are provided to demonstrate concepts and do not guarantee future results.