Top 3 Financial Moves to Make While It’s Still Early in the Year

The retirement plan maximum increased in 2015 to $18,000/year with a $6,000/year catch up contribution for those aged 50 and over. If you are fortunate enough to be adding the maximum each year to your retirement plan, make sure your contribution percentage is up to date with the new limits.
If you are thinking “No way will I ever get to save that much”, now is a good time to download your annual spending report from your credit card’s website. Look for where you are frittering away your money and make a plan to lower those expenses. Then, increase your retirement plan deduction!
Most people do not have the recommended 3-6 months’ expenses in a savings account. If this is you, set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings every month. If having the savings account right next to the checking account is too tempting, open a savings account at a separate bank from your checking.

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Kristi Sullivan

My name is Kristi Sullivan and I have been helping people achieve financial security since 1996. I am a fee-only financial planner and public speaker. I do no investment or insurance sales for commissions. My clients pay me for guidance through their financial questions. I also work with employers to educate their employees about personal finance. I have been helping people make financial decisions for 18 years. I have worked in employee benefits and with individual clients/families. I hold the Certified Financial Planner designation. Sullivan Financial Planning, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisory firm with the State of Colorado. Areas of expertise include prioritizing savings goals, investment allocation, and wealth manager searches.