4 financial planning tips to kick off the new year

The turn of the year is typically a reflective time and a time to plan. Something about that lull between holiday festivities and New Year’s Eve sets the stage for introspection and review. While you’re busy reflecting on the year that’s ending and the new one about to begin, make sure you take some time to consider your finances.

Here are some financial tasks that should have been on your must-do list before the calendar rolls over. Read on for some items you can get on with now.

1. Take stock of your financial plans

If you have formal financial plans, take a step back and assess how they’re working for you. If you have a real document in place, that’s great. If your financial plan consists of a loose set of ideas in your head, that’s okay – but consider making that plan a little more concrete for the new year.

Has anything in your life changed since the beginning of the year? Marriage, the birth of a child, or a change of career are all reasons to revise your financial plans. Or maybe you’re navigating a job loss, an unexpected illness, or the loss of a loved one. Your plan from the beginning of the year may not resonate anymore, for a variety of reasons.

A lot can change in the course of a year. It’s okay if things change, but it’s important for you to shift as necessary. Your financial plan is a living document and should be updated accordingly. Take some time to reassess and adjust your plan as needed based on what’s happened in the past year.

2. Check your progress on your goals

If you’ve been saving for a large purchase or committed to making contributions to a savings account, check how that’s going. It’s easy in January to say that this is the year it’s finally going to happen for you. But it doesn’t mean a lot if you don’t check how you’re doing along the way.

If you made your goals, that’s great! If they fell by the wayside, take a look at what you could have done differently. Or, take some time to set a goal that’s more manageable so that you can get that sense of accomplishment next December.

3. Review your spending and saving habits

This is going to be a lot of fun if you made significant contributions to your savings accounts this year. The sense of accomplishment will give you some much-needed momentum to carry those habits into the new year.

If, however, you were a little more skilled at spending than saving, it might be time to have a talk with yourself. Take a look at where your money went, and if it didn’t go to something that makes you proud, reconsider those habits for next year.

Yes, it’s hard to deny yourself the things you want. But it’s terrible to be caught without any savings when you need them.

4. Consider your contributions

There are many accounts that benefit from a contribution before the year is over. Retirement or education savings plans would be good examples – or a tax-free savings account. This is also a good opportunity to review your charitable giving goals.

Final Thoughts

The end of the year is a time of change and new resolutions, but before you do take a look back. Check your progress over the past year – it’s the only way to know if your goals are working out. Before you make new ones, see how you did on the ones you set at this time last year.

If you need some inspiration on how to get some business planning under way for 2023 find out more in article The 7 Key Steps to Setting your Business Goals for 2023. 

Please Note: Many of the comments in this article are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances.