Article

Is Your Financial House in Order For 2025?

Have you considered whether your financial house is in order? Now that we are into the new year, it’s a good time to take inventory and spruce it up. Review the following helpful hints to update your financial home!

January 22, 2025
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.

Have you considered whether your financial house is in order? Now that we are into the new year, it’s a good time to take inventory and spruce it up. Review the following helpful hints to update your financial home!

1. Clean the "attic."

That's the spot where you have stored items such as old, unused credit cards, bank accounts under $100, or savings bonds you forgot to cash in. Close them out or cash them in.

2. Refurnish your credit "room."

This can include refinancing your mortgage while mortgage rates remain low, transferring credit card balances to lower rate alternatives and utilizing a home equity line that offers a low rate and tax deductibility of interest. You will appreciate the new “look” you create. It can be especially pleasing to empty the "room" of some credit commitments by paying them off completely, thus giving your overall budget more breathing space.

3. Consider a complete renovation.

Is it time to rebalance your investment portfolio? You may be at a stage of life that requires different investment tactics. Another area to review is your life insurance. The plan you established years ago may need updating to meet your current needs.

4. Look at future "housing" needs.

What accommodations have you made for your retirement? One of the best mechanisms in today's changing world of taxes may be the 401(k), which can provide you with current reduction of taxable income, an excellent savings plan, and tax-deferral on earnings.

5. Solidify your foundation.

Now may be a good time to review your life insurance policies. Setting up an annual review with your insurance professional can be instrumental in ensuring the adequacy of your coverage.

6. Protect your home.

Update your homeowner's policy and make a video of your home--both inside and out--as well as your valuables. Save it in a safe place and add to it as the need arises.

7. Dust off your tax records.

The time when you will need them is fast approaching. You may also want to speak with your tax advisor regarding changes you need to make to brighten your tax picture before filing your return.

8. Establish a regular maintenance program.

If you haven't done so previously, set up a budget. Make "paying yourself first"-- putting a set amount into your savings and investments every month--a priority. Analyze your current spending habits and plan ahead for large bills and expenses. It is always more relaxing to live in a clean and orderly home. By taking these eight steps, your financial home will become an inviting, enjoyable corner of your life!

Other content you may like

  • JUNE Monthly Market Matters

    Tech Titans and Real Estate Resilience

    July 7, 2023
    Strong Valley team members Chris and Jason discuss the performance of domestic and international markets, bonds, commodities, and real estate. They highlight the significant influence of big tech stocks and the impact of a few key players on overall market trends. They also explore the unexpected stability in real estate prices despite rising mortgage rates. They conclude with a discussion on the challenges in the commercial real estate sector due to high vacancy rates, largely driven by the enduring work-from-home trend.
    Read this Article
  • Large Cap Stock Outperformance

    Large Cap Stock Outperformance

    August 1, 2024
    Large cap stock performance is catching up with the last big technology advancement in the 1990’s, making the 3-year outperformance of large cap stocks over small cap stocks the largest since Dec 1999. A look at stock market performance concentration showing up internationally, and a comparison of Inflation to the Fed funds rate, and more.
    Read this Article
  • 10 Tips for Your $ Future

    10 Tips for Your $ Future

    June 15, 2021
    However much you make or save now doesn’t promise you a bright financial future. Life is unpredictable. Follow these 10 tips to help prevent you and your family from money troubles.
    Read this Article
  • After a Federal Reserve Pause

    After a Federal Reserve Pause

    June 2, 2023
    With a focus on how the Market responds to a Federal Reserve pause, this month we examine the effect on Stocks and Bonds. Also included is a deeper look at Money Market assets and their recent historic peaking, along with U.S. debt ceiling concerns and an overview of what’s driving the market these days.
    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