January 13, 2026
Financially Speaking: Financial Checkup For The New Year!
A new year brings a fresh start and there is no better time to pause, take stock, and make sure your money is working for you. A financial checkup does not have to be complicated, but it can make a meaningful difference in your financial well-being.
Start with clear goals.
Ask yourself what you want your finances to accomplish this year. Are you hoping to pay down debt, add to your emergency savings fund, or plan a family vacation? Clear goals give your money direction and help guide everyday decisions.
Review your spending plan.
Write down your monthly net income and list your regular expenses. Be sure to include periodic costs that do not occur every month, such as car tags, insurance premiums, or annual subscriptions. These often catch people by surprise if they are not planned for.
Track daily spending.
Keep a daily spending diary for at least 30 days. This simple step can reveal “spending leaks”—small purchases that add up over time and cost more than you realize. This can give you the opportunity to redirect money towards goals that matter more!
Work on reducing debt.
Identify which debts you want to focus on first and make a plan to reduce balances. Even small extra payments can help lower interest costs and shorten the payoff timeline.
Strengthen your savings.
An emergency fund is one of the most empowering financial tools you can build. A common guideline is to save at least three months’ worth of living expenses to help manage unexpected events. Every deposit, no matter how small, is a step towards security and peace of mind.
For additional guidance, review the KSRE publication MF2721 How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup. It includes a financial fitness quiz and helpful information on credit, insurance, investing, and retirement planning—great tools to support your financial goals in the year ahead.
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