Summer is over and the end of the year is quickly approaching. Fall is a great time for a cleanup, but that cleanup doesn’t just involve your yard. It’s also a great time to get your finances tidy before the busy holiday season starts and tax season is upon you.
Here are 5 steps you can take to get your finances in order this fall:
- Review your budget. A key to managing money successfully is establishing a budget and sticking to it. Review your expenses and income to see if anything has changed. If your expenses are high, think about ways to cut them.
- Evaluate your savings. How much have you saved? Think about ways you can save more, even if it’s just a few extra dollars. That could mean cutting some unnecessary expenses in order to add a little more to your savings each month.
- Set a holiday budget. The holiday season can be an expensive time for many people if a budget is not set. Determine in advance how much money you’ll need for holiday purchases and stick to the plan.
- Review your interest rates. Are the interest rates on your credit card or mortgage loan in line with the current rates available? There could be an opportunity for you to consider a balance transfer to a card with a lower rate or look at mortgage refinance options.
- Protect your identity. Identity theft can drain your financial accounts and damage your credit. One of the best ways to protect yourself is with an identity theft resolution and credit monitoring service.
Taking some time to get your finances cleaned up this fall will help “leaf” you with a more affordable holiday season and a great financial start to the new year.