This time year gets people to think about taxes for next year. There are a few things you can still do this year that are smart and wise money moves to benefit you both now and in the future. Here are 8 wise things that you can do now with your money.
#1. Always add more to retirement.
Retirement is one of those things that if we don't see it it's hard to know it's there. However, you're going to miss it in the future if you're not putting away money now. The younger you are the better it will be for you to put away money now so that it has time to grow later on. Even if you can only put in an extra $100 a month, do it.
#2. Change your goals.
People's financial goals can change all the time. This may be a good time to reassess your goals, where you want to be next year, five years and even 20 years from now. Reassess those goals and find a financial advisor that can help you reach those in a practical way.
#3. Don't neglect your checking account.
Make sure your checking account is up to date. Check through your bank statements to make sure there are no discrepancies, errors or fraudulent charges. You might also find out where the majority of your money is going and reassess some of your spendings.
[Read More: February and March are Perfect Months to Save Money on a House}
#4. Reevaluate monthly costs.
If you haven't reviewed any cable bills, phone bills or cell phone bills it might be time to reevaluate and see if you can get lower monthly fees. Speak to your credit card company about lowering your interest rate or if you qualify for new programs. You'd be surprised at how many hundreds of dollars you could save each year simply by reevaluating and reviewing many of your necessary expenditures.
#5. Save surplus.
"Employees earning over $118,500 will get a boost in their paycheck toward the end of the year after they've maxed out their Social Security contributions for the year." Put this bone it to work for you by setting aside emergency reserves, paying down debt or putting it back into an IRA. [Tim Maurer CFP]
#6. Continue to grow your emergency fund.
To start, you should have at least $1000 in an emergency fund. This is to cover any medical costs, car trouble, or anything else that might suddenly come along. However, it's good to continue to build that to have at least 3 to 6 months worth of expenses in the bank should you lose your job or have a major emergency.
#7. Organize your taxes.
Even though April 15 may be long ways off, start organizing any receipts and make an Excel spreadsheet about any employees you may have paid, mileage used for work, charitable donations or contributions and anything else you can deduct. It will make tax time much easier.
#8. Make charitable donations.
Now is a great time to give to your church or other local charity or organization, clean out the garage and the kid's rooms and donate to Goodwill or thrift stores in your area or donate books to the public library. Make sure you get a tax receipt for everything that you donate as proof should you be audited.
[More: 5 Things I Wish I Had Know Before Buying a House]
Thinking about buying this year or next? Start planning ahead with great tips and information for the Palm Beach County area. Call me anytime.
