Financial Fitness
Financial Fitness
Being financially fit means having the knowledge, tools, and discipline to manage your financial resources effectively, ensuring that you can meet your current and future financial needs.
This page provides information and tools for budgeting, saving, and managing debt, helping you to feel secure and confident in your financial decisions.
75th Anniversary Grand Finale Quiz! Answer Key
December 2025
Retirees: Click here for your answer key
1. What is ERSGA’s website?
A. ersga.com
B. ers.gov.ga
C. ersga.gov
D. ers.ga.gov
Correct Answer: D. ers.ga.gov
2. ERSGA has many fun and educational videos created just for you as a State Employee! What is the name of ERSGA’s YouTube channel?
A. Videos by ERSGA
B. ERSGA Communications
C. ERSGA Information
D. ERSGA-TV
Correct Answer: B. ERSGA Communications
3. What is the first step in creating a budget?
A. Guessing your future spending
B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
C. Cutting out all your fun purchases
D. Budgets are boring!
Correct Answer: B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
Explanation: Knowing how much you earn and spend is the foundation of budgeting. You can’t plan what you don’t track.
4. TrustDALE explains how to protect your personal information. Which of the following is a recommended safety step?
A. Always carry your Social Security card in your wallet
B. Throw away documents with personal information in the regular
trash
C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with
personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
D. Ignore signs of fraud because it usually fixes itself
Correct Answer: C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
Explanation: Shredding personal documents and opting out of pre approved credit offers reduces the risk of mail theft and identity fraud, and helps keep your personal information secure.
5. What is a Will, really?
A. A legal document that ensures your assets go where you want
them to
B. A kind and thoughtful way to help your loved ones avoid
confusion and conflict
C. A smart way to potentially reduce court costs, taxes, and
legal delays
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: A Will is a legal document, a family kindness, and a strategic move. A clear Will can help your loved ones avoid probate delays, legal fees, and in some cases, reduce estate taxes. Most importantly, it gives your loved one’s clarity at a time when they need it most. Think of it as part financial planning, part love letter, and part family protection plan.
6. What happens if someone dies without a Will in Georgia?
A. The state follows intestacy laws, which may not match your
wishes
B. The state follows intestacy laws, which may not match your
wishes
C. The state follows intestacy laws, which may not match your
wishes
D. All of the above. No Will = No control
Correct Answer: D. All of the above. No Will = No control
Explanation: Without a Will, the courts use Georgia’s intestacy laws to distribute your estate. That might not match what you would’ve wanted. A Will puts you in control.
7. You should be wary of financial planners who present themselves as experts about your Georgia state retirement benefits. Many of these unsolicited contacts aim to sell you high-cost investment products or even defraud you.
True
False
Correct Answer: True
Important Information About Unsolicited Financial Advisors
If someone makes an unsolicited investment offer and claims any affiliation with the State of Georgia, ERSGA, or Peach State Reserves:
- Ask for the person’s name, company, email address, website, physical address, and phone number. A legitimate business is easy to verify.
- Never provide personal information. ERSGA and PSR will never contact you requesting payment, your Social Security number, or your account password.
- Never buy any financial product based on a first unsolicited contact. Research it first and make sure it is legitimate.
- When in doubt, contact ERSGA or PSR directly to confirm whether the individual is connected with the State of Georgia.
Members: Click here for your answer key
1. What is ERSGA’s website?
A. ersga.com
B. ers.gov.ga
C. ersga.gov
D. ers.ga.gov
Correct Answer: D. ers.ga.gov
2. ERSGA has many fun and educational videos created just for you as a State Employee! What is the name of ERSGA’s YouTube channel?
A. Videos by ERSGA
B. ERSGA Communications
C. ERSGA Information
D. ERSGA-TV
Correct Answer: B. ERSGA Communications
3. Can I use my Will to name an ERSGA beneficiary?
A. Yes, the Will always takes priority (Wrong Answer!)
B. Only if you have a major life event such as a marriage (Wrong
Again!)
C. It depends on how recently the Will was updated (Not
Correct!)
D. No, the beneficiary on file at ERSGA is the only beneficiary
recognized by ERSGA. (This one! So, is your beneficiary updated
on your ERSGA account? Maybe you should check it today?!)
Correct Answer: D. No, the beneficiary on file at ERSGA is the only beneficiary recognized by ERSGA. (This one! So, is your beneficiary updated on your ERSGA account? Maybe you should check it today?!)
Explanation: Your ERSGA beneficiary designation always takes precedence. If your Will and your pension account say two different things, the ERSGA record wins. Update your pension beneficiary at ers.ga.gov
4. What is the first step in creating a budget?
A. Guessing your future spending
B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
C. Cutting out all your fun purchases
D. Budgets are boring!
Correct Answer: B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
Explanation: Knowing how much you earn and spend is the foundation of budgeting. You can’t plan what you don’t track.
5. What does “pay yourself first” mean?
A. Buy something you want before paying bills
B. Pay off credit card debt first
C. Save a set amount before spending on anything else
D. Give yourself a bonus! You deserve it!
Correct Answer: C. Save a set amount before spending on anything else
Explanation: Paying yourself first means treating savings like a priority—automate it and build your future.
6. What is a healthy philosophy about paying off debt?
A. It is punishment for bad choices
B. It is boring but necessary
C. It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind
D. It is something you should avoid thinking about
Correct Answer: C. It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind
Explanation: It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind. Debt payoff is not about shame. It is about reclaiming your future! Every payment is a step toward peace and financial independence.
7. What’s a powerful reason to build your emergency fund today?
A. Because emergencies are expensive
B. Because it reduces stress
C. Because your family (and pets) rely on you
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: All of these reasons are true. Emergency savings reduce financial anxiety, protect the people who depend on you, and give you the ability to handle life’s unexpected moments with confidence.
8. TrustDALE explains how to protect your personal information. Which of the following is a recommended safety step?
A. Always carry your Social Security card in your wallet
B. Throw away documents with personal information in the regular
trash
C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with
personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
D. Ignore signs of fraud because it usually fixes itself
Correct Answer: C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
Explanation: Shredding personal documents and opting out of pre-approved credit offers reduces the risk of mail theft and identity fraud, and helps keep your personal information secure.
9. You should be wary of financial planners who present themselves as experts about your Georgia state retirement benefits. Many of these unsolicited contacts aim to sell you high-cost investment products or even defraud you.
True
False
Correct Answer: True
Important Information About Unsolicited Financial Advisors
If someone makes an unsolicited investment offer and claims any affiliation with the State of Georgia, ERSGA, or Peach State Reserves:
- Ask for the person’s name, company, email address, website, physical address, and phone number. A legitimate business is easy to verify.
- Never provide personal information. ERSGA and PSR will never contact you requesting payment, your Social Security number, or your account password.
- Never buy any financial product based on a first unsolicited contact. Research it first and make sure it is legitimate.
- When in doubt, contact ERSGA or PSR directly to confirm whether the individual is connected with the State of Georgia.
Employers: Click here for your answer key
1. What is ERSGA’s website?
A. ersga.com
B. ers.gov.ga
C. ersga.gov
D. ers.ga.gov
Correct Answer: D. ers.ga.gov
2. ERSGA has many fun and educational videos created just for you as a State Employee! What is the name of ERSGA’s YouTube channel?
A. Videos by ERSGA
B. ERSGA Communications
C. ERSGA Information
D. ERSGA-TV
Correct Answer: B. ERSGA Communications
3. Can I use my Will to name an ERSGA beneficiary?
A. Yes, the Will always takes priority (Wrong Answer!)
B. Only if you have a major life event such as a marriage (Wrong
Again!)
C. It depends on how recently the Will was updated (Not
Correct!)
D. No, the beneficiary on file at ERSGA is the only beneficiary
recognized by ERSGA. (This one! So, is your beneficiary updated
on your ERSGA account? Maybe you should check it today?!)
Correct Answer: D. No, the beneficiary on file at ERSGA is the only beneficiary recognized by ERSGA. (This one! So, is your beneficiary updated on your ERSGA account? Maybe you should check it today?!)
Explanation: Your ERSGA beneficiary designation always takes precedence. If your Will and your pension account say two different things, the ERSGA record wins. Update your pension beneficiary at ers.ga.gov
4. What is the first step in creating a budget?
A. Guessing your future spending
B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
C. Cutting out all your fun purchases
D. Budgets are boring!
Correct Answer: B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
Explanation: Knowing how much you earn and spend is the foundation of budgeting. You can’t plan what you don’t track.
5. What does “pay yourself first” mean?
A. Buy something you want before paying bills
B. Pay off credit card debt first
C. Save a set amount before spending on anything else
D. Give yourself a bonus! You deserve it!
Correct Answer: C. Save a set amount before spending on anything else
Explanation: Paying yourself first means treating savings like a priority—automate it and build your future.
6. What is a healthy philosophy about paying off debt?
A. It is punishment for bad choices
B. It is boring but necessary
C. It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind
D. It is something you should avoid thinking about
Correct Answer: C. It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind
Explanation: It is about buying your freedom and peace of mind. Debt payoff is not about shame. It is about reclaiming your future! Every payment is a step toward peace and financial independence.
7. What’s a powerful reason to build your emergency fund today?
A. Because emergencies are expensive
B. Because it reduces stress
C. Because your family (and pets) rely on you
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: All of these reasons are true. Emergency savings reduce financial anxiety, protect the people who depend on you, and give you the ability to handle life’s unexpected moments with confidence.
8. TrustDALE explains how to protect your personal information. Which of the following is a recommended safety step?
A. Always carry your Social Security card in your wallet
B. Throw away documents with personal information in the regular
trash
C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with
personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
D. Ignore signs of fraud because it usually fixes itself
Correct Answer: C. Don’t carry your social security card, shred paperwork with personal data and opt-out of pre-approved credit offers
Explanation: Shredding personal documents and opting out of pre-approved credit offers reduces the risk of mail theft and identity fraud, and helps keep your personal information secure.
9. You should be wary of financial planners who present themselves as experts about your Georgia state retirement benefits. Many of these unsolicited contacts aim to sell you high-cost investment products or even defraud you.
True
False
Correct Answer: True
Important Information About Unsolicited Financial Advisors
If someone makes an unsolicited investment offer and claims any affiliation with the State of Georgia, ERSGA, or Peach State Reserves:
- Ask for the person’s name, company, email address, website, physical address, and phone number. A legitimate business is easy to verify.
- Never provide personal information. ERSGA and PSR will never contact you requesting payment, your Social Security number, or your account password.
- Never buy any financial product based on a first unsolicited contact. Research it first and make sure it is legitimate.
- When in doubt, contact ERSGA or PSR directly to confirm whether the individual is connected with the State of Georgia.
‘Tis the Scam Season! Answer Key
November 2025
1. TrustDALE reminds State of Georgia employees that while our work makes us valuable assets to the state, open records laws can also create which increased risk?
A. More meetings with supervisors
B. Greater access to employee discount programs
C. Increased vulnerability to fraud due to personal information
being more accessible
D. More requirements to update pension forms
Correct Answer: C. Increased vulnerability to fraud due to personal information being more accessible.
Future Self Time Traveler Quiz! Answer Key
October 2025
1. You just arrived in your retirement year. What does your future self say?
A. Welcome. This is what you have been working toward!
B. The early years were tough, but with planning and saving, we
made it!
C. You did it! Your saving and planning paid off.
D. All of the above!
Correct Answer: D. All of the above!
Will Power! Answer Key
September 2025
1. What is a Will, really?
A. A legal document that ensures your assets go where you
want them to
B. A kind and thoughtful way to help your loved ones avoid
confusion and conflict
C. A smart way to potentially reduce court costs, taxes, and
legal delays
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Why You Need a Will
September 2025
A Will is a simple document that tells the world:
- Who should get your belongings
- Who will care for your children (if under 18)
- Who should carry out your final wishes
Without one, Georgia state law decides for you. And that may not match what you want.
Key People in Your Will:
Executor: This person manages everything after you’re gone: files paperwork, pays debts, and distributes assets. Choose someone trustworthy and organized. Add a backup just in case.
Are Your Credit Cards on Fire?
August 2025
1. Why is it important to know your numbers when it comes to debt?
A. Because math class never ends
B. If you do not write it down it does not exist
C. Awareness is power and you cannot fix what you cannot see
D. To impress your friends with your debt
Correct Answer: C. Awareness is power
and you cannot fix what you cannot see
Explanation: Don’t Fear Your Finances. Face them! Listing your balances, minimums, due dates, and interest rates puts YOU in control. Debt feels scarier in the dark. Shine a light on it so you can actually tackle it!
Save for the Rainy Day! – Answer Key & Explanations
July 2025
1. Which of the following is not an emergency expense?
A. A flat tire
B. A surprise medical bill
C. Concert tickets
D. A leaking water heater
Correct Answer: C. Concert tickets
Explanation: Concert tickets, while enjoyable, are considered non-essential. Emergency expenses are unexpected, urgent, and necessary—such as a broken appliance, medical bill, or car trouble. Preparing for these events protects your financial stability and reduces stress during uncertain times.
Budget Basics Quiz – Answer Key & Explanations
June 2025
1. What is the first step in creating a budget?
Correct Answer: B. Listing your monthly income and expenses
Explanation: Knowing how much you earn and spend is the foundation of budgeting. You can’t plan what you don’t track.