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Two individuals reviewing documents at a table with a laptop nearby, with headline text "Year-End Financial Checklist".
November 29, 2024

Add These Six Tasks to Your Year-End Financial Checklist

We wouldn’t let 2025 sneak up on you without first reminding you about a few important financial tasks to put on your radar. By taking some time at the end of the year to reflect on where you’ve been, you’ll have an easier time getting where you want to go. Before you ring in the new year, add these six tasks to your year-end financial checklist.

1. Review your budget.

Does your budgeting plan still line up with your goals? Take a look at your spending habits, income and savings, then consider any adjustments you want to make for the upcoming year. New to budgeting? Get started with these three simple steps.

2. Consolidate high-interest debt.

If high-interest debt is a burden, consider consolidating your debt into one place with a lower interest rate. By doing this, you’ll potentially save big on interest and be able to pay down debt faster. Plus, there will only be one monthly payment to manage, instead of several. Learn more about balance transfers.

3. Check your insurance coverage.

Have your insurance needs changed? Maybe you’ve expanded your family, got a different vehicle, changed jobs or purchased a home. No matter what your life circumstances are, it’s a good idea to review your insurance policies to make sure they still work for you. Since insurance costs and coverage can vary widely, now is the time to do some rate shopping to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Need insurance but hate shopping for it? Grow Financial members are eligible for help from Quorum Insurance LLC.* Quorum is a one-stop shop for insurance and will do the research for you to help you select the best coverage for your needs and budget. Recently, Quorum helped members save an average of $825 annually on their auto insurance premiums by recommending changes that fit their needs. Call 800.714.1447 for your no-obligation, free quote, or visit  quoruminsurance.com to learn more.

4. Get ready for tax season.

Uncle Sam will come knocking at your door again in the spring, so start getting ready for tax season ahead of time to avoid stress. When adding tax preparation to your year-end financial checklist, don’t forget to:

  • Make charitable contributions. If you want to deduct charitable contributions for this tax year, be sure to make those donations soon.
  • Reconcile and file receipts. If you take any deductions requiring documentation, start reconciling and sorting relevant receipts now.
  • Schedule an appointment with your tax professional. During tax time, accountants get busy, so get ahead of the game by scheduling your appointment.

5. Review your financial plan and retirement contributions.

No matter where you are on your financial journey, it’s important to have a financial plan. It guides your financial decisions and helps you stay on track to meet your goals. Consider these questions:

  • Am I saving enough for retirement?
  • Do I need to make changes to my retirement plan after getting a new job?
  • Should recent life events change how I’m saving?

Want to learn more about saving for retirement? Check out Retirement Planning Basics.

6. Update your beneficiary designations.

Your year-end financial checklist wouldn’t be complete without a review of your beneficiary designations — the person or persons your money will pass to after your death. Double-check that all your beneficiary information is correct for all of your accounts, whether through Grow or other financial institutions, so your assets pass along as you intend. For more about estate planning, including wills, trusts and beneficiaries, read Estate Planning Basics.

Complete your year-end financial checklist to ensure you’re ready for 2025. By addressing key tasks like budgeting, debt consolidation and tax preparation, you’ll start the new year on solid financial footing.

*Quorum Insurance LLC is an affiliate of Grow Financial. Insurance products purchased through Quorum Insurance LLC are not deposits of Grow Financial and are not protected by NCUA. They are not an obligation of or guaranteed by Grow Financial and may be subject to risk. Business conducted with Quorum Insurance LLC is separate and distinct from any business conducted with Grow Financial. Grow Financial is in no way responsible for the services provided through this program.


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