When people get into financial trouble, they generally do so gradually, as a result of long-term spending and money management habits. It can take years before they realize they're in over their heads. But there are telltale signs that their financial house may in fact be a house of cards.

The following financial stress test can help you identify trouble.

AM I RELUCTANT TO SIT DOWN AND PAY BILLS?

While bill paying is no one's favorite pastime, to approach it with a sense of dread or ignore it altogether is a sign of trouble. one step that may make this taks easier is electronic bill payment. Modern Woodmen members may qualify for special rates and terms at www.mwabank.com

DO I EVER GET BEHIND ON MY BILLS, EVEN BY A DAY?

If your cash flow is so tight that you can't make a payment something is wrong.

DO I USE CREDIT CARDS FOR ROUTINE PURCHASES?

This can be an expensive habit, one that reduces control over your money and encourages impulse spending.

DO I MAKE UNPLANNED TRIPS TO THE BANK OR ATM EACH WEEK?

This can be a sign of poor money management. Consider doing all your transactions once a week.

DO I HAVE INADEQUATE INSURANCE CONVERAGE?

Insurance - especially life and disability income insurance - helps replace your income if you should die or become disabled. Don't guess about this important topic; contact your Modern Woodmen representative to conduct a free annual review.

DO I HAVE TO BORROW MONEY TO PAY BILLS?

This financial juggling act will eventually trip you up.

AM I COUNTING ON A FUTURE FINANCIAL WINDFALL - SUCH AS INHERITANCE OR RAISE AT WORK?

If you have trouble living within means today, the problem may not be the amount of money, but how it is being managed.

DO I HAVE LESS THAN THREE MONTH'S INCOME SET ASIDE AS A "CASH CUSHION" FOR EMERGENCIES AND OPPORTUNITIES?

Direct deposits from your paycheck into your bank account can help you build this.

DO I MAKE PURCHASES OF $100 OR MORE ON IMPULSE?

Even if you are financially well-established, money should be spent with thought and care, not on impulse. Set up a budget.

DO I FAIL TO KEEP ACCURATE FINANCIAL RECORDS?

The cornerstone of financial stability is information about your financial situation. Banking online at www.mwabank.com can help you track expenses and organize banking records.

HOW DID YOU DO?

If you said yes to two or fewer questions, you manage your money well.

If you said yes to three or four, you're fairly typical when it comes to money management, but there is room for improvement.

If you check five or more, you could be heading into serious financial trouble - it's time to review your financial and money management habits and make changes.

WHERE TO START

Reduce the stress of managing your money with some financial calculators at www.modern-woodmen.org. And contact your Modern Woodmen representative Mickey Gentry at 279-3707 to review your situation and make plans for a less stressful future.

- John Ingrisano