Spring cleaning your finances has been brought back by popular demand. I have received many responses via phone calls, e-mails, conversations in department stores and text messages from individuals sharing their stories. Many have shared how the topic of Spring cleaning their finances has prompted them to clean the cob webs off of their financial projects that have been dormant. However, they have decided to continue the cleaning until everything about their portfolio is tidy. I thought I would share at least one of the stories:
Revive and execute your strategy:
I will use the name Brenda to describe the person that shared her story. Brenda held a public service position and retired in March 2016. She shared that now that she has retired, she revisited her financial plan to make sure that her affairs are in order should anything happen to her. Brenda shared that her goal is to enjoy being retired and not worry about debt. She put a 5-year plan in place 3 years ago that included refinancing her mortgage, paying off her vehicle and increasing her investments. Brenda shared with me that she decided to refinance her mortgage for 10 years, and paid her vehicle loan in full.
A common mistake that some people make was what Brenda had planned to do and that was, roll the balance of her auto loan with her mortgage refinance. That is not a smart financial move! Brenda shared that she changed her mind at the last-minute and opted to pay her auto loan in full apart from her mortgage. Some experts might not agree; however, I agree with her. If an accident happened and that same vehicle was totaled in an accident, Brenda would still be paying for that vehicle, had she rolled the balanced in with her mortgage. Great job and congratulations Brenda on putting a strategic plan in place and working it.
Other helpful Spring cleaning tips:
1) Re-visit your vision/written plan for your finances – It is necessary to continue to keep your plan before you as a reminder as to why you’re pursuing financial wellness. Your written plan can also be used as a metric for continued growth.
2) Boost your investments – meet with your financial adviser to review your portfolio
3) Tidy up your Business – If you are a business owner, inquire of your accountant or financial planner regarding a SEP IRA (Self-Employment IRA). Find out if it is to your benefit to open one.
4) Toss out holiday bills – Make every effort to avoid carrying over 2016 Christmas debts in with 2017 Christmas debt.
5) Dust off old accounts – Evaluate your reason for having small accounts spread out in different cities or states. If you have open accounts and you have relocated, consider closing those accounts and combining your funds with your local bank or credit union.
(6) Give every debt a payoff date – As a part of your debt freedom plan, give each debt an “eviction notice”. Your goals to become debt free will more than likely come to fruition when a date for debt elimination has been added to your spending plan.
Feel free to post your comments here; they are welcome and encouraged. E-mail me at christineroebuck@livemylifedebtfree.com.