Key takeaways
Whether you’re working toward a short-term goal like a vacation or long-term goal like retirement, reviewing your financial goals each year can help keep you on track.
Begin by looking back at your spending so you know what’s available to put toward your goals.
If you need assistance, a financial professional can work with you to design a financial plan that helps you prioritize your goals.
A new year brings new possibilities, and setting financial goals is the first step in working toward a more secure financial future.
Use this annual financial review checklist to identify your priority areas, along with tips and resources to help you kickstart your progress.
“Financial planning starts with a budget,” says LeAnn Erenberger, Wealth Management Advisor with U.S. Bancorp Investments. “Knowing what it costs you to live per day, per month and per year can help you clearly see what you have left to put toward your other goals.”
Retirement planning comes in phases, and you’ll want to consider ways you can maintain your lifestyle in retirement. “While maximizing your contributions is the best way to accumulate wealth, you’ll want to make sure you’re at least investing enough to get a company match,” says Erenberger.
While lifestyle spending covers everyday finances, you may also be planning for major purchases in the next three to 10 years, such as buying a vacation home, remodeling your current home or going on the trip of a lifetime. Make those dreams come true by planning for the purchase today.
Financial security means planning—and saving—for rainy day and unexpected emergencies before they happen. “You’ll want to make sure you have proper insurance in place for you and your family’s situation,” adds Erenberger.
If you have young children, you may want to send them to private school or start saving for college. You may even be considering your own education goals. Advance planning can help you and your children avoid taking on a large amount of student debt.
Essential documents, such as a will, trust, and financial and healthcare powers of attorney are necessary for proper estate and legacy planning. “If you don’t yet have a will, this should be the first thing you do in the new year,” says Erenberger. And don’t forget to talk to your family about your plans.
As you age and you take on more responsibilities, your tolerance for risk will change. It’s important to review your accounts each year to ensure your portfolio is in line with your financial resolutions and needs.
Erenberger strongly suggests protecting your money by maximizing every tax advantage. “Your financial resolution should be to keep as much of your money as you can,” she says.
Charitable giving not only provides you and your family with an opportunity to make a difference. Making sure you're doing it in the most tax efficient way possible is an important part of financial planning.
While healthcare enrollment is usually done in November, the new year is a good time to make sure you’re taking advantage of your benefits and maximizing financial tools such as your health saving accounts (HSA).
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or considering your own long-term care needs, you’ll want to understand how you’ll pay for it. Planning for the future will involve exploring insurance as well as reviewing assets that can be available.
If you need assistance staying on track toward your financial goals, consider talking with a financial professional. They can work with you to design a financial plan that helps you prioritize your goals and work toward your next stage of life—whether it’s saving for a dream purchase, paying for a child’s education or transitioning into retirement.
Whatever your financial goal, learn how our planning process may help you gain the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
Setting and working toward financial goals becomes easier when you reflect on your intentions.
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