Personal Financial Calendar

Feeling overwhelmed with your finances and not knowing where to start? This financial calendar is a great way to take the stress out of managing your finances. It includes tips from preparing for tax season, budgeting to retirement readiness, and much more. Let us know if it works for you.

JANUARY

Will this year bring financial success

Double check your employer sponsored retirement plans to insure you are maximizing your contribution. Make certain to check whether your employer offers a matching program.
Pay down debt with any bonus or extra cash.
Write down the major financial expenses you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide your decisions whether your portfolio is on track to reach your short and long-term goals.
Update your personal net worth to reflect any significant changes in the past year.
Don't forget fourth quarter estimated income tax payments are due by Jan 15th.

FEBRUARY

Plan for the year ahead

Take a moment to check on your p&c, umbrella and auto insurance programs and coverage amounts. Draw up a list of questions to discuss with your agent.
Take a minute and create a list of your monthly subscription services and cancel unused subscriptions and memberships.
Review your investments.

MARCH

Time for a spring cleaning

Time to shred unneeded paperwork and statements.
Contribute to your IRA and HSA savings.
Check your credit report. All US citizens are entitled to a free copy of their credit report every 12 months from the national credit reporting agencies.
You should have received most of your tax documents by now. Start organizing your important documents so you can complete your federal and state returns.

APRIL

It's tax time

Tax returns are typically due before midnight of April 15th. If you need to request a six month extension you still need to pay any taxes due by April 15th.
April 15th is also the last day to contribute to most retirement accounts for the prior year.
Don't forget that first quarter estimated income tax payments are due by April 15th.
Adjust your W-4 tax withholding.

MAY

Prepare for summer with these financial tips

Create or update your home and personal property inventory in case of a catastrophic event. Use your phone and reliable digital backup service to record and store videos of your valuable possessions.
Take a look at your estate strategy and see if it continues to reflect your family's wishes. Were there any marriages or divorces in the past year? Did your family welcome a new child or grandchild?
Review and replenish your emergency fund.

JUNE

We’re halfway to next year

Take a look at your “sources and uses” of money. Is it what you expected, or are you considering making adjustments?
Don’t forget second-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by June 15.
Review your beneficiary designations.
Change your passwords and use two factor authentication to protect your accounts.

JULY

Revisit the years Progress

Look back at the last 6 months. Are there any financial takeaways you can apply to the remainder of the year?
Refresh your money skills. Add at least one book on personal finance, economics, or investing to your summer reading list.

AUGUST

It’s back to school season

As children or grandchildren get ready for school, create a strategy to help pay for the expenses. There are a number of educational funding choices, and one may be a fit for your situation.

SEPTEMBER

Perfect time for a financial sprint to year end

Most companies begin "open enrollment" for their insurance plans in the upcoming months. Prepare now by looking at your current health plan and considering whether it meets your needs.
Open enrollment for Medicare starts in November.
Check your credit card benefits and points earned. With the holidays around the corner, you may be eligible for a deal.
Don't forget third quarter estimated income tax payments are due by Sept 15th.

OCTOBER

Home strech

If you have children off to college next year, the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) window opens on Oct 1st. Encourage your child to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to increase their chances at available scholarships and grants.
File your income tax return by Oct 15th, if you requested a six month extension back in April.
If you want to establish a retirement plan outside of your work sponsored program, you must open the account by your tax filing deadline plus any extensions, which is Oct 15th for most.
Medicare open enrollment begins, providing you an opportunity to drop or switch plan coverage.

NOVEMBER

The perfect time to give thanks

Review your charitable giving and update any funding strategies, if needed.
Watch for capital gains payouts. Investment companies typically distribute capital gains in December, and by November, they usually publish estimates of their distributions.
Healthcare.gov open enrollment begins.
Medicare Part A and B premiums and deductibles announced.
Evaluate Roth conversion strategies.

DECEMBER

Hope and goodwill

Last chance to harvest losses or gains (if appropriate) from your investment portfolio.
If you are 73 or older, do not forget to take your annual required minimum distribution (RMDs) by December 31st.
You can request an annual social security statement. Compare your earning record against your old tax returns for accuracy.
This is also an excellent time to check for other irregularities to prevent identity theft.