Every year, you get poked and prodded by your doctor to ensure you’re in good health. You should take similar care of your financial well-being with an annual checkup of essentials, such as your credit situation, retirement savings and life insurance.
No needles or latex gloves are involved. You just need to review your finances, perhaps with an advisor.
It’s not about beating yourself up over what you did wrong, but considering how to set things right, says Patricia Jennerjohn, managing partner at Focused Finances in Oakland, California. “If you make small corrections right away, you’re not going to drive off the cliff.”
Click here to learn about the nine key elements of your annual checkup.