Domesticity Double-Header
June 29, 2017Public Joy
July 5, 2017Today ends the second quarter of 2017. That makes it an especially good time to do a quick check-in on your new year's resolutions.
Go find your list (this is why you wrote them down!) and honestly assess your progress. Where are you being successful? Where are you falling behind? Where should you focus your attention in the next quarter?
It's also a good time for a quick financial check-in. Here are some things to look at:
- Are your expenses in line with your budget? Do you need to move money between line items? (Perhaps you are spending more on groceries, so you need to spend less eating out.)
- Are you on track for retirement savings? If at all possible, you want to get at least the match your company offers. You may also want to diversify with a Roth IRA.
- What about your other savings goals? Do you have an emergency fund of 3-6 months living expenses? Do you have a life happens fund of $1,000-2,000 to cover surprise car repairs or household needs? How is college saving going?
- Now is a great time to call the cable company, your cell phone company, your insurance, etc. to see if you can alter your service or otherwise lower your bills. A thirty-minute call can save you a ton of money.
- Is your tax withholding on track? Did you owe a lot or have a huge refund this year? If so, you may need to adjust your withholding and deductions. If you do it now, you'll still have 6 months before year end to even things out.
- If you want to take a more serious look at your finances, consider scheduling an appointment with a fee-only financial planner. The slower summer months — well after tax season — are a good time for that.