Armik Aghakhani, CPA and Managing Partner of Chartered International LLP, has released a free 15-minute self-check tool designed to help individuals identify gaps in their financial and personal records before small issues escalate into costly problems. The checklist, titled "The 15-Minute Personal Self-Check," provides a straightforward method for people to assess their organizational status and pinpoint areas needing attention.
This resource addresses a significant financial vulnerability many individuals face. Industry data indicates that disorganization and inattention can lead to cumulative costs ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 due to errors, delays, and corrections. More than 60% of people rely on incomplete or scattered records, while nearly one in three only identify issues after receiving an official notice or inquiry. Aghakhani notes that fixing problems later often takes three to five times longer than addressing them early.
The checklist is shaped by Aghakhani's professional experience and his charitable work with organizations like the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (PazNaz) and the Armenian Christian Outreach of PazNaz (ACOP). His involvement in community initiatives, including fundraising events like "Race for a Cause" that supported inclusive programs for children with autism, reinforced his belief in thorough preparation. "When things feel complex, you have to slow down and be thorough," Aghakhani explains. "That applies to community work just as much as anything else."
Common mistakes the checklist addresses include assuming last year's situation still applies, storing important documents across too many platforms, avoiding confusing areas, and waiting until problems become urgent. The guide helps users identify what they know, what they don't, and what may need follow-up without offering specific advice or predictions.
The 15-Minute Personal Self-Check is available now at no cost at https://www.charteredinternational.com/self-check. Users are encouraged to complete it in one sitting, revisit it annually or after major life changes, and use it as a personal reference point. "You don't need to solve everything today," Aghakhani says. "You just need to see things clearly."
This resource represents a practical approach to financial wellness that could help individuals avoid substantial unnecessary expenses. By providing a structured method for regular self-assessment, it addresses the widespread problem of financial disorganization that affects millions of people. The checklist's simplicity and accessibility make it particularly valuable for those who may feel overwhelmed by financial management but recognize the importance of maintaining organized records.
