Reusable worksheet
Case study worksheet
Copy this structure into slides, a spreadsheet, or your notes. The point is to force every recommendation to connect to a fact from the case.
1. Fact base
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Household | Names or client labels, ages, dependents, jobs, stated goals, time horizons. |
| Income | Gross income, after-tax income, predictable bonuses, benefits, employer matches. |
| Assets | Checking, savings, retirement, education accounts, vehicles, home equity, taxable investments. |
| Debts | Balance, rate, payment, term, collateral, whether the debt is secured or unsecured. |
| Insurance | Health plan, life insurance, disability, renters/homeowners, auto, deductibles. |
| Taxes | Filing status, credits/deductions, retirement account type, HSA/FSA eligibility, taxable events. |
2. Assumption log
Because the cases are intentionally incomplete, assumptions are allowed when they are reasonable and clearly labeled.
- Use conservative assumptions for living expenses, returns, inflation, and college costs.
- Do not change facts provided in the case.
- Mark assumptions as “assumption,” not as if they were given facts.
- Use assumptions to make the plan workable, not to make the problem disappear.
3. Recommendation template
| Recommendation | Case fact | Action | Funding source | Expected result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: credit-card payoff | High APR revolving balance | Pay minimums on all debts, then add extra cash to the highest APR card. | Monthly surplus, reduced variable spending, or bonus/inheritance. | Lower interest expense and improved cash flow. |