As the year 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of your finances and make sure you’re on track for success in 2023. This 10-year financial checklist is designed to help you review your progress and set yourself up for a successful financial future. From creating a budget and setting long-term goals to tracking expenses, building an emergency fund, and investing wisely, this checklist will guide you through the process of taking control of your finances. By following these steps, you’ll be able to make smart decisions about how to save, invest and spend money in the coming years. Use this 10-year financial checklist as a roadmap for your financial success.
1. Check your credit score: It’s important to keep tabs on your credit score before the end of the year so you can make sure any debt you have is being managed responsibly and that there are not any discrepancies in your report that need to be addressed.
2. Review your budget: Take a look at how much you are spending in each category of your budget and make sure that you remain within your limits. If there is a particular area where you’ve gone over budget, consider ways to cut back.
3. Re-evaluate investments: Review the performance of any investments you have made throughout the year and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that you are on track to meet your financial goals.
4. Update beneficiaries: Make sure your beneficiary designations are up-to-date since this will help determine how assets such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other investments will be distributed after you pass away.
5. Plan charitable giving: Consider any donations or charitable contributions you want to make before the end of the year, and research organizations that align with your values.
6. Do an estate planning review: Take a look at your will and other important documents in order to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect your wishes.
7. Review insurance policies: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your health, life, home and auto needs.
8. Review taxes: Before year-end, review your withholding status to make sure you are not overpaying (or underpaying) on taxes so that you don’t face a huge tax bill or penalty come April.
9. Make retirement contributions: If you have a retirement account, review your contribution rate and make sure it’s aligned with your goals. The earlier you start contributing to these accounts, the better prepared you will be for retirement.
10. Review debt: Take a look at any loans or credit card balances you have outstanding and consider ways to pay them off or reduce the interest rate.
By following these steps and making small adjustments throughout the year, you can end 2022 in a better financial position than when you started. It’s important to be proactive with your finances so that you can work towards achieving your long-term goals.
