1. Review Your Annual Income and Expenses.
It's important to review your income and expenses at the end of the year. This will help you identify any discrepancies or changes that may need to be made in order to keep track of your finances better. Start by looking at how much money you brought in this year, what were your highest expenses, and analyze your spending patterns.
2. Update Your Budget.
Now that you have an overview of your financial situation for the year, it's time to make any necessary updates to your budget. This could include setting up new budgeting categories or changing the way you organize your expenses. Make sure to keep track of all your expenses so that you can stick to it come next year.
3. Create a Debt Payoff Plan.
If you are carrying debt from the year, it is important to create a plan at the end of the year in order to be able to stay on top of payments and pay off as much debt as possible before the New Year. Consider different approaches such as snowball or avalanche methods to find what works best for your budget.
4. Automate Savings Goals.
Set up automated savings accounts and transfers to be sure that you are reaching your goals each month. This will help ensure that you stay on top of saving as well as keep track of any changes in the market so you can adjust accordingly.
5. Make Tax Preparations Early.
Gather all relevant documents, such as pay stubs, investments, charitable donations, and receipts from any purchases over $600 to have them ready when filing taxes at the end of the year. It is also important to research any tax breaks or deductions you may qualify for in order to maximize your refund.
6. Prepare Year-End Investments & Contributions.
Now is the time to review any investments and contributions you made in the year. This includes 401(k) contributions, IRA withdrawals, stock purchases, and more. Make sure that these are all correctly recorded for tax purposes so that you can maximize returns or deductions come tax season.
7. Review Insurance Policies & Coverage Amounts.
It’s important to review your insurance policies and coverage amounts at the end of the year to make sure that everything is up-to-date and accurate. This will help ensure that you are properly covered throughout the upcoming year in case of an emergency.
8. Create an Emergency Fund.
Having a financial cushion set aside for unexpected events such as job loss, medical bills, or home repairs is important to maintain financial security. Make a goal to set aside a certain amount each month in an emergency fund account so that you are prepared for the next year.
9. Take Advantage of Year-End Deals.
The end of the year often brings sales and discounts that can be used to save more money. Look out for deals on items you may need in the upcoming year, such as electronics and home appliances to get them at a lower cost before New Year’s Day.
10. Put Together a Financial Plan for the New Year.
Sit down and plan out your financial goals for the upcoming year. Think about what areas you want to focus on such as saving money, paying off debt, or investing. Once you have a plan in place, create a budget and stick to it to reach your goals.
11. Review Your Credit Report & Score.
Take the time to review your credit report and score at the end of the year. This will give you an idea of what areas need improvement and where you are doing well. You can also use this information to see if there are any errors or fraudulent activity that needs to be reported before the New Year.
12. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution to Check on Special Offers or Promotions.
If you have a bank account or credit card with a financial institution, you may be able to take advantage of special offers or promotions that could help you save money in the New Year. Contact your provider and inquire about any deals they are offering for the upcoming year.
13. Organize Important Documents in a Safe Place.
Gather your important documents such as tax returns, investment statements, and insurance policies, and organize them in a safe place. This will help you stay organized when it comes to filing taxes or making changes throughout the year.
14. Take Inventory of Your Assets & Liabilities.
Take inventory of your assets and liabilities to get an overall view of your financial situation. This will help you make a plan to save more money in the upcoming year and identify any areas that need improvement.
15. Utilize Tax Benefits & Other Incentives.
Research any tax benefits or incentives that you may be eligible for in the coming year. This can help you save money on taxes and maximize returns when filing your return. It is also important to make sure that all of your deductions are accurate before submitting your taxes.