By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor
If you’re like most people, you periodically set aside time to clean out your home, garage or closets. It’s equally as important to take time to organize your finances. The following checklist can help you get started:
- Cancel unused credit cards. If you’re paying an annual fee on a credit card or other account that you don’t use, you’re throwing money away. So, cash in any rewards points you have earned and then cancel the account. Of course, take into consideration whether canceling the card will negatively affect your credit rating.
- Cancel unused memberships. If a new at-home exercise routine has replaced your trips to the gym, or if you’re no longer playing golf at a course you belong to, consider canceling your membership. Even if you have to pay a fee, you may quickly recoup your financial losses.
- Consolidate accounts. You don’t necessarily need multiple checking, savings, investment, retirement or credit card accounts, yet many people maintain them—often because it takes extra time up-front to consolidate.
When it comes to credit, you may also earn more rewards if you stick to one or two cards. - Negotiate better deals with your service providers. Whether it’s your cable, Internet or waste removal company, chances are you can negotiate a better rate. Get quotes from competitors. If they are offering lower rates for the same services, go back to your service provider to see if they will price-match. If not, switch to someone new.
- Update your financial records. Make a list of your current financial accounts, contacts and passwords. Keep this
information in a safe and secure place. - Update your beneficiary designations. Your beneficiary designations override your will. So, if you’ve experienced a marriage, divorce, birth, adoption or death, make sure your beneficiary designations reflect your wishes.
- Review your home and auto insurance coverage. Make sure your coverage reflects your present needs. Also,
price-shop as with service providers; you could save a significant amount. - Simplify your investments. If tracking various investments is stressing you out, look to asset allocation or managed accounts. Consider working with a financial professional.
Bennett Whitlock, CRPC ®, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Learn more at WhitlockWealth.com or call 703-492-7732.
