diff --git a/check_connection.py b/check_connection.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80d315e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/check_connection.py
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+import os
+from clients import get_authenticated_client  # adjust if the helper name differs
+
+
+def main() -> None:
+    """
+    Simple helper that verifies we can reach the Kalshi API
+    using the current environment configuration.
+    """
+    client = get_authenticated_client()
+    try:
+        status = client.get_exchange_status()
+    except Exception as exc:  # pragma: no cover - helper script
+        print("Failed to reach Kalshi API:")
+        print(repr(exc))
+        raise SystemExit(1)
+
+    print("Kalshi exchange status response:")
+    print(status)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()