When you’re young, checking in on your financial status might seem like something that can wait. But routinely assessing where you stand can benefit you today and down the road. Here are steps to consider.
Understand your assets and liabilities
The assets you own and the debts or liabilities you have determine your net worth. Assets might include cash, savings, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, real estate and anything else of value such as cars or collectibles. Liabilities might include a mortgage, student loans, auto loans, bills due and credit card debt. Consider calculating your net worth annually by adding the value of all your assets and subtracting your liabilities. This can help you keep tabs on your overall financial picture.
Assess your goals
Once a year, think about your short-, medium- and long-term goals. Are each still relevant? How much do they cost? Are you on track to meet them? Some long-term goals, such as traveling in retirement, may not change substantially year to year. Short-term goals, such as paying off a credit card bill, and medium-term goals, including saving for a house, may change more frequently. You might decide to reevaluate those every three to six months.
Check your credit report
Your credit report contains information about the status of your credit accounts and your bill paying history. A good credit score is critical to qualifying for loans at the best possible rates.
Name your beneficiaries
When you open a retirement account or buy an insurance policy, you’ll probably be asked to name a beneficiary—the person who would collect from the account in the event of your death. Marriage, the birth of children, divorce and death can affect your choice. Typically your spouse is your default beneficiary, but you also may wish to designate children or someone else. Though designations likely will not change often, it’s still a good idea to check your elections yearly to make sure they’re still appropriate.
Manage your taxes
It’s important to make sure you have enough set aside to pay your tax bill well before the annual deadline, generally April 15. The amount of federal income tax you owe each year depends in part on your tax bracket, but many factors affect it. Learn more about income tax brackets.
Check if your investments and goals align
It is likely your investments, whether in retirement plans or taxable brokerage accounts, consist of mutual funds that hold various kinds of investments. Consider checking quarterly, in January, April, July and October, to make sure your selections are appropriate for your age and financial goals.
Determine if you have the right insurance
About once a year it’s important to assess the type and amount of insurance you need. If you rent your home, you may want to consider renters insurance to protect your belongings. When you buy a home, you need homeowners insurance. Your policy should cover what it would cost you to rebuild your home—which is often more than your home’s face value—as well as the current price of replacing your household items. You also may want special coverage for valuable items such as jewelry or artwork. Your insurance agent can help you assess whether you have the right type and amount of coverage.
With a little planning, you can plan for the savings goals that matter most as a family.
Saving for one is hard enough, but family savings multiply the challenge. You have short-term desires versus long-term goals, plus unexpected expenses that can pop up regularly.
Priority 1: Prepare for the unexpected
Start an emergency fund. You never know what will happen: an illness, an accident, an unexpected layoff. That’s why it’s important to set aside money for emergencies. Experts recommend that emergency funds for families cover six to nine months’ worth of expenses. If, however, you or your spouse are self-employed or income is unpredictable, consider saving even more.
Priority 2: Get long-term goals in order
Priority 3: Your family’s five-year goals
What would you and your family like to achieve in the short term? Your list might include things like a theme-park vacation, upgrading a car or remodeling your home. Now find the right savings strategy. You could open a savings account dedicated to each big-ticket item. Or see if your bank allows you to open sub-accounts under your primary savings account. Doing this helps you focus on meeting each goal. Make weekly or monthly contributions after you take care of your long-term savings.
Advertisement
Link socials
Matches