Resolve to make 2019 your year to get on a smart financial plan by following these 8 important steps:
SET CLEAR GOALS. Do you have clear plans for retirement, college, and other major life events? If not, define your life goals and then develop your financial plan to get there. BUILD YOUR SAVINGS. Set up an automatic deposit into a savings account with as much as you can afford to put in the account. You’ll be surprised how quickly a little money can amass into a healthy savings account. REVIEW YOUR AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS. Thoroughly review your accounts to make sure that you are not erroneously paying for old subscriptions or bills that have already been paid off. MANAGE YOUR CREDIT. Paying off your credit cards and getting rid of those high interest rates is one of the best ways to put money back in your pocket. REVIEW YOUR WITHHOLDINGS. If you’re intentionally withholding too much on your taxes to avoid end of the year taxes or to get a big payback from the IRS, that’s not a good practice. Use a tax calculator to make sure that your withholdings are accurate. REVIEW INSURANCE POLICIES. Don’t insure your 10-year old car like a Tesla. Make sure that you haven’t overbought on your auto, life, health and other insurance policies. Review carefully and make cuts where possible. BUMP UP YOUR 401K. Add a little more to your 401K this year, especially if your employer does a matching contribtion. GUARD AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT. Monitor your credit reports and statements to ensure that your identity and finances are protected. Shoppers always need to be alert and prepared to protect themselves against credit card fraud, particularly during the holiday shopping season. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to make you less vulnerable. Here are a few tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of credit card fraud.
|
Our BALANCE Financial Guide is dedicated to helping you balance life’s important decisions.
Archives
August 2023
Categories
All
|