For clients of Kate Eiland, please CLICK HERE to see important details related to the Strong Valley transition.
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

  • A couple sitting at a table looking at papers and receipts

    Ten Unique New Year Financial Resolutions

    January 2, 2026
    Curious on how to improve financial habits in the New Year? This article may have the answers you're looking for. It explores practical resolutions that could help enhance your financial well-being and provides creative ways to look differently at finances in the new year.
    Read this Article
  • A couple sitting at a table reviewing documents with an advisor

    Market Volatility & Tax Savings Opportunities

    October 9, 2026
    Could market volatility create a planning opportunity before year-end? Tax-loss harvesting may be one tool worth understanding as part of a broader review of taxable accounts, income needs, and portfolio goals. Learn why coordination matters before making tax-related investment decisions.
    Read this Article
  • Black and blue cover slide for a presentation

    July Student of the Market

    July 29, 2025
    This has been the best May and June for U.S. Stocks since 1950! Even so, international stocks are still leading this year. How does geopolitical turmoil impact the market? Take a look at that answer, as well as cash performance, bonds and the 60/40 portfolio performance.
    Read this Article
  • Is Value Poised for a Big Bounce?

    Is Value Poised for a Big Bounce?

    October 19, 2021
    This Student of the Market looks at what happened in September with stock market returns and an overview of 2021 for bond market returns. Growth versus Value is charted along with Long-Term Bond returns, and alternative fund flows. A helpful chart illustrates a broad category and specific category breakdown of what goes into Headline inflation.
    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