New Year Financial Prep
Closing Out the Year on a Financial High
Financial Wellness
December 30, 2023
The end of the year is a great time to wrap up your financial affairs and set the stage for a financially strong new year. Not sure how? we've put together 10 steps that you can take to get you started:
1. Review Your Budget and Spending
Start your financial year-end review by revisiting your budget. Take a close look at your spending patterns over the past year. Did you stay within budget categories? Were there any unexpected expenses that caught you off guard? Reflecting on your spending habits helps you identify areas for improvement and informs your budget adjustments for the coming year.
2. Assess and Adjust Financial Goals
Evaluate the progress you've made toward your financial goals throughout the year. Whether it's saving for a major purchase, building an emergency fund, or paying down debt, assess your achievements and setbacks. Remember to be kind to yourself in this process. If needed, adjust your financial goals for the upcoming year based on your current financial situation and aspirations.
3. Maximize Retirement Contributions
If you have a retirement savings plan, take advantage of the remaining weeks to maximize your contributions. Contributions to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs can have significant tax benefits and help boost your long-term financial security. If you can, ensure you are contributing the maximum allowable amount for the year.
4. Check Your Credit Report
Monitoring your credit report is a crucial part of financial management. Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it for any inaccuracies or suspicious activities. Addressing any errors now ensures that your credit is in good standing as you enter the new year. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the major credit bureaus.
5. Evaluate and Optimize Investments
Review your investment portfolio and assess its performance over the past year. Consider whether your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. If needed, rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains diversified and in line with your investment strategy.
6. Organize Tax Documents
Get a head start on tax season by organizing your tax documents. Ensure you have all necessary paperwork, including W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductible expenses. If you anticipate a tax refund, plan how you'll allocate it to support your financial goals.
7. Create or Update Your Emergency Fund
Financial emergencies can arise at any time, and having a robust emergency fund is essential for financial resilience. If you don't have one, consider establishing an emergency fund. If you already have one, assess whether it needs additional contributions to reach your target amount.
8. Evaluate Subscriptions and Expenses
Review your monthly subscriptions and recurring expenses. Are there services you no longer use or need? Cutting down on unnecessary subscriptions can free up funds for more meaningful financial endeavors. This is also an excellent time to negotiate bills or explore more cost-effective alternatives.
9. Plan for Year-End Bonuses or Windfalls
If you expect a year-end bonus or any unexpected windfalls, plan how you'll allocate these funds. Consider using a portion for debt repayment, boosting your savings, or investing for future growth. Having a clear plan prevents these funds from being spent impulsively.
10. Set Financial Resolutions for the New Year
As you close out the year, set clear financial resolutions for the upcoming one. Whether it's increasing your savings rate, eliminating high-interest debt, or learning more about investments, having specific financial goals sets the tone for a successful and intentional financial journey in the new year.
Explore our collection of 200+ Premium Webflow Templates
