Do you spend more time planning your annual vacation than you do thinking about your personal finances? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people put off financial planning or avoid it altogether.
Personal financial planning is an ongoing, lifelong process. If we break it down into small, achievable tasks, it’s a lot less daunting and can pay huge dividends for you and your family.
Resolve to make yourself financially fit in 2023:
The following personal finance calendar may help you get started.
January
‒ Manage your debt. Start by paying off all high-cost and consider establishing an emergency fund.
‒ Create a cash flow statement of prior year income minus expenses. Calculate personal net worth.
‒ Consider if your portfolio’s original target asset allocation needs rebalancing.
‒ Evaluate your contribution amount and save enough for your goals and take advantage of any available employer match.
February
– Review your insurance policies to be sure they are reflecting current needs.
March
– Consider using any bonus or similar windfall to pay down debt and/or build an emergency fund.
‒ Check your credit report as improvements may allow lower loan costs.
April
– File your income tax return by April 15 (unless extensions are available).
‒ April 15 is the last day to make an IRA or Education Savings Account for the prior year.
‒ Evaluate whether Roth after-tax or traditional pre-tax contributions make sense for your contributions.
May
‒ Create an inventory of your home and personal property for insurance or estate planning. Record a phone video of your valuable possessions and store the video in a secure, remote location.
‒ Review your estate plan.
June
‒ Consider a mid-year review of your finances to confirm you are on track.
July
‒ Consider reading one book on personal finance or investing.
‒ Designate or update your own beneficiary on your retirement plan.
August
‒ Compute if your vacation spending is as you projected.
September
‒ Consider establishing a Christmas/Holiday spending budget.
October
‒ Consider beginning year-end tax planning.
‒ Consider upcoming open enrollment season and any changes with your health insurance coverage and other employer benefits.
November
‒ Keep your holiday budget in mind. Plan for any charitable giving and tax-deductible gifts.
December
‒ Consider rebalancing your portfolio allocations and contributions for the New Year.
‒ Evaluate your past contributions into the Plan and decide if you can increase your contributions for the coming year.
