Article

Time to Consider Your New Year Resolutions

Time to Consider Your New Year Resolutions

The New Year is a great time to make a commitment to get your finances in order. With proper planning and appropriate guidance, your resolution to make your finances a priority can begin to build financial stability to prepare you for the uncertainties of tomorrow. The New Year is offering you a fresh beginning.

January 1, 2023
Time to Consider Your New Year Resolutions
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

For many people, the New Year is a time for personal reflection, a time to consider commitments and resolutions for the coming year.

This year, why not resolve to make your finances a priority? With proper planning and appropriate guidance, you can begin to build financial stability and prepare for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Consider the following steps:

Get Organized

Gather all your important financial documents – life insurance policies, homeowners insurance, wills, trusts, and other pertinent financial records – and organize them so you can access them quickly and easily.

Schedule a Professional Consultation

Arrange a time to meet with your financial advisor to review or write your will and establish any necessary trusts. Prior to your meeting, discuss with your spouse or other loved ones how to handle property dispositions and guardian appointments.

Keep Debt in Check

Pay off high interest debt first, especially if the interest is not tax deductible. Do your best to avoid the minimum payment trap.  By making only the minimum monthly payment, the interest that accumulates over time can make even “bargain” purchases costly in the long run.

Review Insurance Coverage

Review your life insurance policies to ensure that your beneficiary designations are appropriate to your current situation and that all arrangements are up-to-date. Also, consider repaying any loans you may have against your insurance policies. This can help to reestablish an emergency fund for the future.

Apply for Scholarships

If your children plan to attend college next year and require financial aid, remember that financial aid forms are due early in the year. The earlier you apply, the better your chances may be for obtaining aid.

Prepare a Tax Strategy

Begin to gather your tax information and arrange a time to meet with your accountant, if necessary. It is important to file your income taxes on time and to be aware of any tax changes that may affect your return.

Write It All Down

Once you’ve met with your professional advisors, write down a few realistic goals that you think are achievable. Make the commitment now to plan your finances accordingly. This is your first step to building a solid financial future.

The New Year offers us a fresh beginning. This year, resolve to make your finances a priority. With proper planning and appropriate guidance from your financial advisor, you can begin to work toward financial independence and prepare for life’s uncertainties.

Other content you may like

  • The Truth About Inflation and Risk

    The Truth About Inflation and Risk

    August 20, 2022
    Our Strong Valley advisor team recaps 2022 from May through August, where the US Bond market saw the worst start ever, and it was the 3rd-worse start for US Stocks. The team has a balanced discussion on winners and losers during times of inflation and what that means for investment risks. Questions from Strong Valley clients are answered, and the team showcases one practical way to objectively quantify and evaluate your own personal risk tolerance when it comes to investing. We wrap up the discussion with predictions and an outlook on where inflation and the markets may be headed in the months ahead.
    Read this Article
  • Podcast Highlight - Value vs Growth

    November 28, 2023
    David gives insight into the difference between being a value investor and investing in value as a style.
    Read this Article
  • Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

    Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

    March 3, 2023
    With a recap from Mid-November to Mid-February, it’s good to see numbers in the green as our Strong Valley advisor team discusses stock performance and bonds. Answering the top three questions from clients: Why doesn’t my banker call me about higher rates? How to best set up banking and investment accounts to work together? and the big one – What about the recession? the team gives insight into preparing for the 2023 recession. We wrap up with predictions for the coming quarter and how the market as a leading indicator plays an important role.
    Read this Article
  • Podcast Highlight - Client Questions: Buying vs Renting

    November 30, 2023
    The Strong Valley Team attempts to give practical answers to a common question, “Should I try my hardest to buy a home or does it make sense to rent and save money?”
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset