Sept. 2, 2012, 3 a.m.

MoneySmart Week is here but it pays to be smart all the time.

Good riddance winter, with your one-after-the-other cold, mould and reality shows Channel Ten has oversold.

If the change of season/programming has you all inspired to embark on a spring clean, then don't forget that all-important financial house.

Here's a handy money-health checklist, inspired by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's efforts for this week's MoneySmart Week.

DO YOU HAVE FINANCIAL GOALS?

I write often about the importance of actually having a target if you want to hit one. Think about it: how much money have you earnt over your working life, and what do you have to show for it? If the answer is "not much" you're likely focusing too much on ''here and now'' rather than ''somewhere else and later''. To resist the consumer temptations thrown at us every day, you need a tangible, ultimately achievable reason - so get dreaming.

ARE YOU OPTIMISING INCOME AND EXPENSES?

A little extra goes a long way - unless you simply adjust to spending it. First, are you getting all the benefits you're entitled to? Think family tax benefits and Centrelink payments, and giveaways for lower earners such as the superannuation co-contribution. Ensure you are earning what you are worth (ladies, I am especially talking to you).

The other key part of your personal balance sheet is what you spend. Just like striking the delicate balance that is calories in, energy out, if money out exceeds money in your finances will spiral out of control and become unhealthy. And in this case it's your debt that may bloat.

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