Before the holidays, take 30 minutes to review your finances. These five steps can save you money and stress before January.
Review your spending
Pull your bank and credit card statements from the last three months. Look for subscriptions you forgot about, spending patterns that changed, and areas where you can cut back. Small changes add up.
Check your emergency fund
Aim for three to six months of expenses in a savings account. If you are not there yet, set a monthly target. Even fifty dollars a month builds a buffer over time.
Plan for taxes
If you had major life changes this year, marriage, a new baby, or a new job, your tax situation may have changed. Consider making a last-minute IRA contribution or adjusting your withholding. A tax pro can help.