The New Year is rising. And you’re ready for a fresh start. Our four-day Money Fit plan is designed to get you scrubbed and ready.
Day 4: Become a numbers gal.
Studies show that checking your numbers regularly—regarding your weight or your wallet—can help you stick to a goal.
But there’s something stomach-twisting about confronting numerical reality. There’s always a judgment attached. You’re ahead, you’re behind; it’s too much, it’s not enough.
The benefit of checking your financial plans and progress regularly is that the anxious feeling goes away—replaced by a pleasant sense of control. Especially if you have a system, like this chart.
Identify what you want to improve; get specific about the goal; check your progress at the same time as other tasks.
| AREA TO IMPROVE | GOAL | CHECK PROGRESS |
| Personal savings | Make sure you can cover a vacation, celebration (or emergency). | The same day you pay your mortgage or rent. |
| Retirement | Make sure your portfolio is balanced, contribs are steady. | Two to four times a year: When you pay property or estimated taxes, or car insurance. |
| Planning | Update your will, power of attorney, insurances, or 401k beneficiaries. | Whenever there is a major life change (job, illness, death). |
Punch that ticket. Do you have a system for tackling financial chores?
