September 12, 2024

Your Fall Financial Refresh

Dana Edwards, CFP®, CSRIC®, EA
Resetting Your Money Habits for a Strong Year-End Finish

As the leaves begin to change, it's the perfect time to reassess your financial health. A fall financial refresh can help you finish the year on a strong note and set the stage for a brighter financial future.

The first step to any financial refresh is to revisit your budget. Look back at your budget and spending habits from the past months and identify any areas where you may be overspending. From there, you can plan to adjust accordingly - whether it is by being more mindful in those areas or adjusting your budget to account for higher spending in those areas while cutting back elsewhere. This is especially important with the holiday season approaching.

During your budget revisit it is also good to take note of upcoming year-end and holiday expenses. Start planning for seasonal costs such as holiday shopping, travel, and winter home maintenance. Try to anticipate a budget for expected costs associated with the holidays and seasonal expenses and start thinking about a plan for saving for these expenses. Setting aside funds now can help prevent financial strain later.

After fall comes winter, and with unpredictable weather and the flu season ahead it is important to be prepared for emergency expenses. So, your fall financial refresh is the perfect time to check in on your emergency fund! Make sure that you are on-track with your emergency fund savings plans and that you have some funds in place for potential unexpected, unavoidable costs.

Remember, a fall financial refresh isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about taking proactive steps to ensure your financial well-being, so you can enjoy the upcoming months with peace of mind. When in doubt, speaking with a professional is always an option to help you feel confident in your financial planning all year round! If you find that you would like a helping hand planning your next financial steps after undertaking your fall financial review, our team is here and happy to help! Head over to our contact page to set up your first consultation today!