Risk in two buckets—short-term vs long-term
Financial risk isn’t one number. The next 1–2 years are about bills and shocks; 5+ years are about retirement and independence. Here’s how we split them and why both matter.
Short-term risk (1–2 years)
Can you pay your bills? Absorb a job loss or emergency without going into debt? Short-term risk looks at your emergency fund, debt load, and margin. The goal is stability: enough cash and low enough obligations that life’s surprises don’t derail you.
Improving short-term risk usually means building an emergency fund, paying down high-interest debt, and spending less than you earn so you have a buffer.
Long-term risk (5+ years)
Will you have enough for retirement or financial independence? Long-term risk looks at your savings rate, investments, age, and timeline. The goal is growth: are you on track so that future you is secure?
Improving long-term risk means investing consistently, increasing your savings rate, and keeping debt under control so more of your margin goes to wealth-building.
See your numbers
The risk score shows both short-term and long-term risk in one place, with clear tips to lower each. Enter your current finances once—the same numbers power your Margin Score and risk score.