As the year winds down, most of us are juggling family plans, holiday reunions, and a to-do list that always feels a little too long. With all these plans happening at the same time, it’s easy to put your own financial peace of mind on the back burner, but this is also the moment when a few thoughtful questions can make the biggest difference.
A little reflection now can protect your savings, reduce stress, and give you a calmer, more confident start to the new year. Here are the key questions to ask yourself before December 31:Â
Ask yourself:
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- Have I confirmed my RMD for the year—and documented it properly?
- Did I complete and record every charitable contribution I planned?
- Do I know where all my tax documents are (and which ones I’m still missing)?
- Have I used the remaining balance in my FSA so I don’t lose it?
- Are all my bills organized, scheduled, and set to avoid January surprises?
- Have I reviewed my statements for any unusual or fraudulent activity?
- Do I have a simple draft of my budget for next year—one that reflects new goals or changes in care needs?
Not sure where to begin? Our blog, “Financial Organization Tip: Creating a Digital Financial Calendar for Important Deadlines and Payments” walks you through how to build a personal finance calendar that works for you.
Gain more control of your finances by using simple tools to track spending and documents in one place.
Have a smoother transition into January with a technology-backed system already in place that categorizes your spending and shows exactly where your holiday dollars are going.
You don’t have to sort this out alone. Schedule your free year-end review with an AFP Daily Money Manager today. Start here.Â
Jeremy Zizmor is the founder of Assurance Family Partners, a company whose mission is to assist and empower individuals and families who need help managing their personal day-to-day finances. He is responsible for running all facets of the business.
