Avoid Spooky Finances With This Fall Financial Checklist
As the year comes to an end, you want to make sure your economic environment is as healthy as possible. After all, you want to start the new year on a positive note! So, you need to think about what to put on your fall financial checklist.
In the following sections, we will explore the top seven things that should certainly have a place on this season's monetary checklist to give you the best chance of financial success for the rest of the year and beyond.
The Top 7 Things To Put On Your Fall Financial Checklist
1. Prepare Your Holiday Budget
The first item on your fall financial checklist is a big one!
You might not want to think about the holidays yet (although you'll find festive items in the store already), but it's important to prepare your budget way ahead of schedule.
Consider how much you spent over the last holiday period on decorations, gifts, shipping, travel, and clothing. Divide the total by the number of weeks you have until you'll begin holiday spending. Then, you'll know exactly how much you should save each week to ensure you and your family have the best possible holiday period!
2. Consider Your Work Benefits
Generally speaking, company benefits start on January 1, so keep your employer's open enrollment period in mind to establish the optimum insurance option for you and your loved ones.
Depending on the company you work for, you could get benefits like:
- Flexible savings account (FSA)
- Health savings account (HSA)
- 401(k)
We highly recommend taking advantage of the latter, especially if your employer will match your contribution.
However, don't think that the benefit choices that worked for you last year will provide the same advantages for the following year. Also, always use your FSA money if there is an end-of-year deadline.
Finally, company-sponsored discounts like gym memberships and similar programs must be submitted by the end of the calendar year. Therefore, you should get your applications in during the fall season to avoid disappointment.
3. Winterize Your Car
While not directly related to money on the surface, winterizing your car can certainly save cash when the cold season really sets in.
Here are a few things you should do to prepare your car for the winter properly:
- Check your antifreeze level
- Rotate and balance your tires
- Check your tires' tread depth
- Inspect your wipers' condition
- Top up windshield fluid
- Ask a mechanic to check your defrosters and heater
- Purchase an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle
4. Winterproof Your Home
Like your car, winterproofing your home as part of your fall financial checklist can save a bunch of money when the temperature decreases.
Here are several tasks to do to prepare your home for the winter:
- Inspect and tune up your heating system
- Change your heating system's filters
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Insulate the windows
- Clean your fireplace
- Sweep your chimney
- Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Reverse ceiling fans to push heat down
5. Have A Household Money Meeting
When a new season rolls around, it's always a good time to have a money meeting with your household.
While there is no limit to what you should talk about during these conversations, we suggest covering the following topics:
- How much debt are you in? Has it increased since last season?
- What monetary goals are you working toward?
- Are you spending more or less than last year?
- What can you do to save more for retirement?
- What money issues are you experiencing?
- What changes should you make to improve your financial climate?
6. Maximize Your Retirement Savings
If possible, max out your retirement savings limit to get the most out of your account. Even if you can't wholly max it out, try to contribute more toward your 401(k).
7. Know Where To Get Money For Emergencies
Finally, it's important to understand that you can get a payday advance from us at Alabama Title Loans, Inc. when fall season financial emergencies strike.
You don't need an excellent credit score to borrow between $100 and $500. Instead, you just need ID, a social security card, a bank statement, a pay stub, and a blank check.
Provided you meet the requirements, simply complete our online request form, and we'll be in touch to help you with the rest.
Get A Payday Advance Right Now!
Preparing your holiday budget, using your work benefits, winterizing your car, winterproofing your home, conducting a money meeting, maximizing your retirement savings, and knowing where to get emergency cash should all be part of your fall financial checklist.
So, if you come across a year-end crisis like medical bills, veterinary fees, home repairs, or car repairs, complete our short inquiry form to kickstart the payday advance process. One of our representatives will be happy to guide you through the steps.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.