4-Step Checklist for Your Fall Finance Checkup

As the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to check in on your personal finances before the year wraps up. A little mid-year review now can make a huge difference when setting goals for the new year — and help you finish strong financially.

Doing a fall finance checkup isn’t just about looking at your numbers. It’s about realigning your money goals, reviewing your budget, and planning ahead for what’s next. Think of it as a financial refresh before the holidays and the new year begin.

✅ 1. Review Your Personal Finance Goals

Pull out the goals you set earlier this year — whether they’re written in your planner or stored in a budgeting app. Now’s the time to evaluate your progress.

Are your goals still S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound)? If not, adjust them now so they’re clear and realistic.

Take a moment to reconnect emotionally with your “why.”

Are you saving to pay off debt?
Building an emergency fund?
Planning for a vacation or new home?

If your priorities have shifted, update your goals and document any changes. Regularly revisiting your financial goals keeps your motivation high and your progress on track.

🎁 2. Budget for the Holidays Now

Holiday spending can sneak up quickly — and it’s one of the biggest budget busters of the year. According to reports, the average person spends over $1,000 during the holiday season.

If you start saving for holiday expenses now, you’ll feel more prepared and less stressed come December. For example, setting aside $100 per month from now through the holidays gives you $500 to spend — without touching your emergency fund or credit card.

Tip: Create a separate category in your budget for holiday spending (gifts, travel, food, decorations).
You can use my Christmas Planning Spreadsheet to track spending and stay organized — so you enjoy the season without financial regret.

💳 3. Check Your Accounts & Credit Score

When was the last time you reviewed your bank statements? With everything going paperless, it’s easy to lose track. Take a few minutes to go through each of your accounts:

Look for unfamiliar charges
Verify automatic payments
Reassess whether your current accounts meet your needs

Next, check your credit score. It’s one of the most important numbers in your financial life. A score of 700 or higher is considered good, and knowing where you stand helps you make smart financial moves in the future.

You can check your score for free using trusted sites like Credit Karma, Experian, or Wallethub. If your score needs improvement, set small goals — such as paying bills on time or lowering credit utilization — to boost it before year-end.

🏡 4. Account for Any Life Changes

Major life events can significantly impact your finances. If you’ve experienced marriage, birth, divorce, or the loss of a loved one this year, take time to update your financial records.

Marriage: Combine or adjust accounts, discuss shared financial goals, and update beneficiaries.
New baby: Review your life insurance, add your child as a beneficiary, and consider starting a savings account or college fund.
Divorce or loss: Revisit estate planning documents, insurance policies, and update your will.

These events also affect your taxes, so now’s a great time to schedule a check-in with your Financial Advisor or Tax Accountant to ensure everything is in order and to explore ways to reduce your tax liability before the year ends.

🌟 Wrap-Up: End the Year Strong

A fall finance checkup is your chance to finish the year with confidence and clarity. By reviewing your goals, budgeting for upcoming expenses, checking your accounts, and planning for life changes, you’re setting yourself up for a strong start in the new year.

You’ve got this — let’s make the rest of the year count!