Just like your car needs a regular tune-up to keep running smoothly, your finances also benefit from a checkup. Midyear is a perfect time to reflect on your financial wins, catch small issues before they become bigger problems, and fine-tune your plans for the months ahead. While keeping tabs on your budget and credit score is important year-round, some financial tasks deserve a deeper dive. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you stay on track:

August: Tackle Debt with a Clear Strategy

If debt has been weighing on you, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Start by listing out every debt you owe, including the lender, balance, interest rate, and minimum payment. Seeing it all in one place gives you a full picture and helps you build a smarter repayment plan.

You can choose the “snowball” method (paying off the smallest balances first) for quick wins, or the “avalanche” method (tackling the highest interest rates first) to save more in the long run. Or, consider consolidating your debt by transferring high-interest credit card balances to a low-rate card or taking out a personal loan to simplify payments and potentially save on interest. Try our FREE 2-minute Loan Review to compare your current loans to our rates and see how much you could save on monthly payments. Whichever route you take, the key is consistency—and a plan.

September: Review Your Life Insurance

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it a timely reminder to check whether your current coverage still fits your needs. Life insurance can feel overwhelming, with terms like “term,” “whole,” and “permanent” floating around—but it’s all about protecting the people you love.

A financial advisor can walk you through how much coverage you actually need, and help you decide between options. It’s a smart move that brings peace of mind.

October: Revisit Your Estate Plan

Estate planning often gets pushed to the back burner—but it shouldn’t. Even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy, having a will or basic estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Check that your will, power of attorney, and health care directives are up to date. One commonly overlooked document is the living will, which outlines your preferences if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Taking the time to set these up now can save your family time, stress, and money later.

Don’t know where to start? We are proud to be working with LPL Financial Advisors to provide investment and financial planning assistance.

November: Prep for Open Enrollment

Open enrollment usually kicks off in November, and it’s worth giving it more than a passing glance. Plans and coverage often change year to year, so even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan, it’s smart to double-check what’s new.

Look into whether a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) could be a good fit. HSAs allow you to save pretax dollars for current or future medical expenses—and those funds are yours to keep, even if you change jobs. Some employers even contribute to them!

December: Reflect and Set New Goals

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to check in on your long-term goals. Did you max out your retirement contributions—especially if your employer offers a match? If not, consider increasing your contribution by even 1–2%. You’d be surprised how quickly it adds up.

It’s also a great time to meet with a financial planner. You can talk about whether a Roth IRA fits your tax strategy, or explore “catch-up” contributions if you’re 50 or older. And if holiday spending has left you feeling stretched, start planning for next year—maybe by setting up a Christmas Club account or cutting back with intention.

Keep It Going

Midyear checkups are more than just financial chores—they’re opportunities to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with confidence. Whether it’s fine-tuning your debt repayment plan, reviewing insurance, or prepping for open enrollment, a little attention now can make a big difference later.