Staying connected to your finances is essential, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to take much time. A monthly checklist can help you stay on top of key dates and responsibilities to make the most of each year. We want you to enjoy life to its fullest, and with a bit of planning, you can do just that!
January
Start the year off right by taking a fresh look at your finances. Review your income and spending from last year. Did you accomplish what you wanted to? Did holiday shopping make a larger-than-expected dent in your budget? Is your emergency fund still in good shape? A quick January check-in can help you catch any areas that need a little tweaking before they become more significant issues.
January is also a good time to start thinking about taxes. Use this time to get a jump on tax season, so you’re not stressed come April. Some tax paperwork arrives in January: W-2s, 1099’s, 1099-Rs, and letters and statements from the charities that you donated to in 2023. Put them together in one location to make it easier to hand over to your tax advisor when tax season rolls around. January also usually means new rules and laws go into effect. Speak to your financial and tax advisors to see what changes, if any, will affect you now that the calendar page has turned.
February
More than once, I have heard many of my friends in the health and wellness field say, “Health is wealth.” It’s true! Investing a little time and money in your physical health this February can help you lower costs down the line. Schedule those physicals and health screenings that you’ve been putting off. Have a discussion with your doctor about those nagging, minor issues. Early detection can be a lifesaver and a money saver!
March
March is when tax filing season kicks into full gear. Final 1099’s and K-1’s typically arrive in March and your tax picture for the prior year really comes into focus. Thankfully, you can still do some things to manage your tax burden. If you're eligible, you can still contribute to many types of IRAs, such as Roth and SEP accounts. You can even make a spousal IRA contribution if appropriate.
There are also no longer age caps on making contributions, so if you worked in the prior year, go for it, even if you are taking required minimum distributions (RMDs).
April
Perhaps you will be due a refund this year, but if you end up owing taxes, consider adjusting your budget or finding ways to minimize your future tax burden. Ensure your emergency fund is sufficient to cover these taxes and other large, unplanned expenses, such as car or home repairs, without resorting to high-interest credit. Regularly review your budget to ensure it can handle unexpected costs effectively.
May
Use May to check on your estate and legal affairs. Life changes—relationships evolve and loved ones pass on—which makes it important to update your plans regularly. Meet with your attorney to review wills, trusts, and other documents, like Power of Attorney (POA) and healthcare directives. Talk to your financial planner to check and update beneficiaries on your accounts that will be outside of your trust or will such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs. Consider creating a document to help your successors manage digital assets like email and social media accounts.
While it’s always a good idea to stay on top of these details as changes occur, dedicating a month to review everything helps ensure nothing is overlooked. You can then feel confident that your plans are current when needed most.
June
Get outside and be social! The weather is sunny and not too hot yet—perfect for outdoor activities. Are the things you do fulfilling? According to research, Engaging in social activities boosts your physical well-being and reduces the risk of cognitive decline by 26%. Consider spending more time with family and friends, and remember, it's never too late to make new connections.
Did you finish planning your summer getaway yet? Consider enjoying a summer destination after the peak rush or exploring new places. Of course, make it a priority to visit aging family members and friends, creating memories while you have the opportunity. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of these moments.
July
Half the year is over, so a mid-year check-in is in order.
Reassess your spending, savings, and investment performance since your January check-in. How are you doing with your goals for the year? Do you need to correct? What else has changed? Keeping your plan on the right track throughout the year will help you not just for this year but beyond.
August
Check your home maintenance and expenses. An older home might need repairs or updates—a new roof, new windows, or other improvements. By scheduling routine inspections and planning for major repairs, you can preserve your home’s value and avoid possibly bigger expenses later. For many, your home is your most valuable asset. Protect it.
Re-check your property tax bills as well and plan for upcoming payments. Rising property taxes can make it challenging for retirees to stay in the home they’ve built and cared for over the years. Some states offer property tax exemptions or reductions for older citizens, so look into those options and talk with your tax professional or financial advisor about other ways to reduce your property taxes.
September
Your kids are likely “grown and flown,” but you may still have educational savings accounts set up for family members like grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In recent years, rules about how these accounts can be used have changed. Did you know some or all of the funds in accounts over 15 years old can be moved into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary? Or that some portion of 529 accounts can now be used for private secondary education?
Don’t forget that contributing to these accounts may also provide tax advantages. So, as autumn comes, make sure that these accounts are being used to your advantage while also giving a leg up to the next generation.
October
It’s the fourth quarter! Time to review your investments, withdrawals, and overall budget. Do you need to make any adjustments to finish the year strong?
This is the time to solidify your charitable donations for the year. Not only does charitable giving impact the people and causes you’d like to support, but it can offer tax benefits as well. So consider options like donating appreciated stock or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA if you are over 70 ½, which could lower your tax burden this year.
November
It’s a good idea to start preparing your holiday budget, covering everything from gifts to travel to food. Holiday gatherings can become more meaningful as time goes on. If family isn’t nearby, consider connecting with others, whether that be friends and neighbors or volunteering for those in need.
We can’t emphasize enough how much your emotional and financial well-being are intertwined, so prioritizing mental health during the season is essential, especially as the weather gets colder and the daylight hours grow short. Enjoy seasonal activities like holiday concerts, decorated gardens, and light displays. You don’t need to overspend for a memorable holiday, but planning for some extras can help you enjoy it fully.
December
While you’re celebrating, also take time to reflect. Celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledge the challenges you’ve faced. Wrap up any outstanding financial tasks, like making sure you have taken your RMDs or done year-end paperwork. Review your plan once more to see what adjustments you can make THIS year to make next year go as smoothly as possible.
Look forward and set updated plans and goals for the coming year to keep your choices aligned with your vision and a fulfilling future.
Celebrate Your Past, Present, and Future
As you reflect on another year, take pride in the journey you’ve navigated and the lifestyle you’ve built. Staying engaged with your finances and personal goals empowers you to make the most of your life, enjoying each moment with confidence. Remember, finances are an ongoing adventure, and you’re in control of shaping a fulfilling future.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics covered here, we’re just a call or message away. Our team is ready to provide personalized guidance and support to help you make the most of your financial journey.
Sources:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/qualified-charitable-distributions-allow-eligible-ira-owners-up-to-100000-in-tax-free-gifts-to-charity
https://www.bankrate.com/investing/ira/contributing-to-an-ira-during-retirement/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11401599/
https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2023/ways-to-reduce-your-property-taxes.html
https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc310
Russell D. Rivera, CFA, CFP®, is the Founder and President of Voice Wealth Management, an independent financial services firm serving professionals, entrepreneurs, and families in New York City and beyond. Focusing on helping clients make informed decisions about saving, investing, and financial planning, Russell is committed to providing a customized approach that reflects each client’s unique priorities and experiences.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
This material was prepared by Crystal Marketing Solutions, LLC, and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate and is intended merely for educational purposes, not as advice.