1-866-646-8465

1-866-646-8465

Stethoscope and U.S. dollars on charts and research data

Here’s Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup

AngelaRoberts

Written by Angela Roberts

Jun 24, 2021

Every year, I make sure that my kids, my husband, and I all get our checkups at the doctor. It’s not about worrying that something may be wrong—it’s about making sure we’re on the right track and avoiding any surprises. For instance, maybe we learn that it’s time to rebalance our diet, or perhaps a bad allergy season is on the way and we need to figure out the best way to prepare.

The same is true for our finances. Setting time aside for a close examination of where we’re at and where we’d like to be by the end of the year and beyond can help put our minds at ease. Plus, just as we would want to know whether we should expect a bad allergy season, we should make sure we’re aware of any economic changes that may be on the horizon.

For example, a June 14, 2021, article by Fox Business states that according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, “Inflation expectations for the next year climbed for a seventh straight month in May to a record high…the highest since the New York Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations began.” And according to a June 15, 2021, article by Fox Business, “Producer prices rose in May by the most on record…since recordkeeping began in November 2010.”

Prices are increasing, and many are wondering what that may mean for their bank accounts. With these things in mind, let’s take a look at your mid-year financial checkup.

The first thing to examine during your mid-year financial checkup is your budget.

Revisiting your financial plans is one of the most important things you can do for your financial health. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2021 Planning & Progress Study released on June 23, 2021, “83% of those surveyed say they were prompted to either create, revisit, or adjust their financial plan over the past 16 months.”

It’s incredibly helpful to have an idea of how much money is coming and going each month. If inflation or consumer goods prices increase, the amount you spend each month could increase without your realizing it.

If you feel like you’ve never had the time to create a budget or haven’t felt the need, you should know that there are many benefits to be found by getting a handle on the basics. Try to keep track of your receipts for one month and then separate those expenses into categories like entertainment, groceries, utilities, etc. You might be surprised by what you find, and if you keep it up, you’ll have a helpful indicator of where prices may be slowly increasing because of inflation.

If you already have a budget created, take a look and see how you’ve done over the last six months. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 15, 2021, that U.S. retail spending fell 1.3% in May as consumers spent more money going out to restaurants and patronizing other businesses that were shut down or operated with restrictions over the last year. Perhaps this applies to you as well, and you’ve been going out to eat more often. If you plan on going out more, make sure it’s included in your budget and adjust as necessary.

Having a strong handle on your personal budget may be extremely helpful if the economy experiences a spike in inflation. Plus, it’s just good common sense to know where your money is going each month.

Your mid-year financial checkup is a great time to consider giving—both to others and to yourself.

As members of society and members of our respective communities, we should be looking out for one another. I honestly believe that it’s our duty. One of the personal philosophies I hold most dear is that you get back what you put into the world. This can also be extended to our finances—the government even allows certain charitable organizations to receive tax-deductible donations.

As you continue your mid-year financial checkup, you may feel encouraged to look into charitable organizations that support causes you believe in so you can either make tax-deductible donations now or plan donations you want to make before the end of the year. By doing so, you not only help yourself, but you also help others, which is even more important.

According to the IRS, if you plan on taking the standard deduction on your tax return, you’re eligible for up to $300 (or $600 for those filing jointly) in additional deductions for cash donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. But that limit expands significantly if you itemize your deductions. It’s a great way to save on taxes while also helping those in need.

Now is also a great time to help yourself by examining your retirement contributions. In 2021, employer-sponsored 401(k) contributions are capped at $19,500, with an extra $6,500 allowed for those over 50. Traditional and Roth IRAs have a combined contribution limit of $6,000, or $7,000 for those over 50.

When the summer comes, I like to use the opportunity to see where my finances are at and consider adjusting how much I put into retirement each month. I want to make sure that I’m as comfortable as possible, but I also need to make sure I have enough liquid funds on hand for bills, emergencies, or any number of unexpected issues that can come up.

When considering the future, consider precious metals.

When you go to the doctor for a checkup, you may receive a suggestion to take certain vitamins or exercise more—in other words, to add an extra “something” to your lifestyle to increase your overall physical health. In the same way, this mid-year financial checkup is a great time to consider whether there’s an extra “something” you could add to your portfolio to increase your overall financial health. Perhaps that “something” is precious metals.

Every day, it feels like we hear more and more worry over inflation. Gold and other precious metals have historically been used as a hedge against inflation and other economic factors. Your mid-year checkup is the perfect time to consider adding precious metals to the mix. You may even consider a self-directed precious metals IRA to help bolster your retirement savings.

Whether it’s for your health or for your finances, it’s a good idea to routinely check in and make sure you’re on the right path. With just a little work, you may make significant progress in attaining overall success. In both cases, you’ll be helping yourself live a longer, healthier, more comfortable life.

Subscribe

Sign up now for latest executive insights and latest news delivered right to your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Articles

Why Are CEOs Dumping Stocks?

Why Are CEOs Dumping Stocks?

Did you know that you can sometimes tell when a storm is coming by observing changes in animal behavior? Many animals—including birds, cows, sheep, and frogs—are known to indicate through their behavior that a storm is imminent by seeking shelter. The same is often...

read more

Start diversifying today

   1-866-646-8465

As one of the largest distributors of precious metals in the nation, U.S. Money Reserve gives you access to our highly-trained team.

U.S. Money Reserve Gold Kit and Global Gold Forecast Special Report Thumbnail
The Ultimate Guide

Free Gold Information Kit

Sign up now to receive the ultimate guide to gold ownership, unlock special offers, and more.