How confident do you feel about your finances as the year comes to a close?

Whether you're focused on retirement, paying down debt, building emergency savings, or simply feeling more in control of your money, now is a great time to take a fresh look at your financial priorities. Taking a look at your finances and focusing on a few manageable steps today can help you start the new year feeling more organized, prepared, and confident about what's ahead.

Use this seven-step checklist to get started.

1. Revisit What Matters to You

Think about what you want your money to help you accomplish. Your goals might include building an emergency fund, buying a home, paying off debt, or enjoying retirement.

Write down your priorities and identify one financial step you can take toward each. Keeping your goals visible can help you stay focused throughout the year.

Take action: Connect with a MissionSquare representative who can help you navigate ways to achieve your financial goals.

2. Give Your Budget a Checkup

Review what you earn, save, and spend each month. Look for expenses that have increased, bills you no longer need, and categories where you regularly spend more than planned.

A budget should support your goals and lifestyle. Knowing where your money goes can help you make smarter decisions about how to spend and save.

Take action: Estimate your expenses and income and identify opportunities to save.

3. Turn Small Savings Into Progress

Little expenses can add up. Review your bank and credit card statements for unused subscriptions, memberships, or routine purchases that no longer provide value.

Then give the money you save a purpose. Consider directing it toward an emergency fund, a high-interest debt, or your workplace retirement account.

Take action: Use the Grow Your Savings Calculator to see how small changes may add up over time.

4. Review Your Retirement Contributions

Check how much you contributed to your workplace retirement plan this year and consider whether your current savings rate still fits your budget and goals.

You do not have to reach the maximum to make progress. Even a small increase may help strengthen your long-term savings. Learn about the contribution limits and the maximum amount you can contribute.

Take action: Review your contribution rate to determine if you have room in your budget to increase the amount you’re currently saving.

5. Strengthen Your Emergency Savings

Unexpected expenses can happen at any time. An emergency fund can help you pay for a home or car repair, medical bill, or temporary loss of income without immediately turning to high-interest debt.

Start with a realistic goal based on your essential monthly expenses. If the full amount feels out of reach, begin with a smaller milestone and contribute regularly. Keeping the money in an easily accessible account can help ensure it is available when you need it.

Take action: Set up an automatic transfer to your emergency savings account each payday. A modest, consistent amount can build momentum.

6. Make a Plan for Debt and Credit

List your debts, balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. Consider focusing additional payments on higher-interest debt while continuing to make at least the required payment on your other accounts.

Also, review your credit reports for any unfamiliar accounts or inaccuracies. You can request free reports from the three nationwide credit reporting companies through the federally authorized AnnualCreditReport.com site.

Take action: Request your free credit reports,* review them carefully, and report any information you believe is incorrect.

^{*MissionSquare is not responsible for external website content.}

7. Review Your Financial Protection

Your insurance needs can change as your life changes. Review your health, life, disability, auto, homeowners, or renters’ coverage and make sure the policies still reflect your circumstances.

Look at your coverage amounts, premiums, deductibles, and beneficiaries. You may also want to ask about available discounts or compare options before renewing a policy. When comparing coverage, consider the overall protection provided, not only the premium.

Take action: Gather your current policies in one place and note their renewal dates. This can make future reviews easier and help you spot potential gaps or overlapping coverage.

Keep Moving Forward

Meaningful progress often starts with a few simple actions. Begin by choosing one or two actions from above or any others you may have in mind. Every step you take toward your goals can help make a big difference in your finances over time.