Although it’s hard to predict what 2017 will bring, if you take the right steps, you can make your personal finances more secure this year. Getting organized is often the hardest part, but January is a great time to refocus on your financial to-do list.
If you’ve got a money-related resolution for 2017, take some time to make it specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timely. Such SMART goals, as they are known, can help you reach your objectives. Saying you’re going to save more this year for example, isn’t as effective as saying you’re going to save $20 a week so you have $1,000 by the end of December.
Here are some steps you can take:
Save More for Retirement
Log into your 401(k) plan and increase the amount you are contributing by 1 percent, 5 percent or more if you can. But make sure you’re saving at least enough to get your employer match, though even the most generous matching policy won't be enough to fully fund your retirement. Your 401(k) maximum contribution remains at $18,000 for 2017.
If you don’t have a match or a 401(k) plan, then set up a recurring auto-deposit into a Roth IRA. In 2017, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a Roth IRA, assuming you meet the income requirements (less than $118,000 a year if you’re single, or $186,000 a year if you’re married).
If you’re really doing well this year, you can contribute to both, for a grand total of $23,500 saved for retirement. If you’re over 50, you can do even more, with an additional IRA catch-up contribution of $1,000 and $6,000 to your 401(k). Prioritizing retirement savings on your financial to-do list will have a lasting impact on your future financial security.
Retirement accounts are made for investing, but there’s no need to be a pro (or pay a pro) to get your money into the stock market. Target-date funds are perfectly acceptable investment vehicles, and you can drop 100 percent of your savings into the one that suits your target retirement date best.
Download an App for Your Finances
Unless you’re an early adopter, chances are you’re not fully utilizing the financial technology available to you. Ask a few people you trust about their favorite financial apps. Perhaps they can make it easier for you to manage your finances.
The majority of consumers—71 percent—are comfortable using online banking, but only 38 percent use their smartphones to access banking services, according to the Federal Reserve. Americans under the age of 44 are the most likely to take advantage of mobile banking, with useful features like mobile check deposit, bill pay, and low-balance alerts to avoid overdraft fees.
If mobile banking is old news to you, consider mobile payments. Only about one out of every four Americans make payments with their phones, according to the Federal Reserve. The convenience factor is high, but make sure you keep security top of mind by sticking with properly vetted apps.
Stick to a Budget
Creating a budget is much easier than sticking to a budget, and as a result many attempts at curbing spending fall flat. Set yourself up for success by adding a budget to your financial to-do list this month.
Consumers across all income levels struggle with spending more than they earn. Overall, 31 percent of Americans spend every dollar they earn, and 15 percent spend more, according to the most recent U.S. Households Economic Well-Being Report.
Start by listing your fixed expenses, as well as your monthly after-tax income. Subtract the recurring bills you have (such as your mortgage and car payments) from your income to figure out how much you have left over for variable spending. You can even take it one step further by dividing that amount by four. That’s how much you or your family can afford to spend on a weekly basis.
If it’s clear the amount you have for spending isn’t enough to keep you afloat, then you’ve got to do more than just set a budget. It might be time to ask for a raise, look for a new job, or add a side hustle to cover your expenses. If none of those options are feasible, then consider decreasing your fixed monthly expenses. Downsizing your home or your car may not be desirable, but if you’ve been struggling lately, you might be surprised at how much of a relief it is to cut those expensive recurring payments.
Start Thinking About Your Taxes
Income tax forms may not arrive until the end of January or beginning of February, but you can get a jumpstart on your taxes by organizing your expenses from last year. If you’ve got a shoebox full of receipts, pull it out and start sorting through the stack. Or if you prefer using tax software and online statements, schedule a time to get started on that instead.
Even if you plan to outsource filing your taxes, you’re usually still on the hook for organizing your expenses. Many accountants are already booked up by the end of February, so schedule your appointment sooner rather than later. Come April, you'll be glad you've already checked taxes off your financial to-do list.
Buy Items on Deep Discount in January
Between post-holiday shopping fatigue and winter weather woes, heading to the store this month may not be high on your priority list. But for those willing to make the trip, January can be a good time to buy products on deep discount.
Fitness fanatics and couch potatoes alike will find deals on products ranging from exercise equipment to televisions. Bargain-hunters can stock up on winter clothing and holiday decor as stores clear out inventory to make room for new items. If it's a purchase you were planning to make anyway, it's worthwhile to buy while it's on sale. Want to know what's on sale the rest of the year? Check our calendar of deals.
