Which documents should clients have ready to create an accurate budget?

Having recent pay stubs and utility bills available is crucial for creating an accurate budget because these documents provide essential and relevant financial information. Recent pay stubs are important as they detail the client's income, including any deductions for taxes, retirement contributions, and other withholdings. Understanding net income is fundamental for budgeting, as it reflects the actual amount available for expenses and savings.

Utility bills offer insight into the client's regular monthly expenses. These are fixed or recurring costs that need to be accounted for in a budget, providing a clearer picture of monthly outflows. Accurately tracking these expenses ensures that the client doesn't overlook key costs when planning their budget.

The other options, while containing documents that may serve other purposes, do not provide the immediate and relevant financial details necessary for establishing a baseline budget. For instance, investment statements may reflect assets but do not indicate cash flow. Similarly, credit card agreements could inform about potential debt and interest rates but are less relevant to immediate income and fixed living expenses. Annual tax returns capture past financial data and may not represent current income levels or expenses, while job offers and educational certificates relate more to career prospects than active budgeting needs.