Settling into fall, it’s an ideal time for individuals and families to assess their personal finances. This extra attention will ensure an annual check-in gets the attention it deserves ahead of the holiday rush.

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“Examining spending habits, budgeting practices and where money can be saved can help people set new, achievable goals for next year,” said Amy Robbins, associate director of operations with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “It’s never too late to make changes — even small adjustments — that will help set you up for future financial success.”

Robbins encourages asking these questions to help evaluate year-end finances:

  • Are you following a budget? Comparing your actual spending against a budget serves as a useful year-end spot check. Haven’t created a budget? Start with tools like a budgeting worksheet or mobile app to track expenses. The key is to ensure your budget reflects realistic goals for both daily living expenses — such as groceries and gas — and lifestyle and entertainment costs. 
  • Have you reviewed monthly bills and subscriptions to identify overspending? Unused subscriptions can easily fly by the radar, as nearly 30% of Americans have subscriptions not being utilized. Reducing subscriptions and their frequency can significantly reduce spending. Evaluate digital subscriptions and negotiate rates on services like cable, cell phone and insurance to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary. 
  • Are you on track with paying off credit card debt? There are several ways to pay off credit card debt. You can do it yourself with the snowball or avalanche methods.Or, you can sign up for a free and confidential credit counseling session to learn which debt-payoff strategy is best for your financial situation. 
  • Have you stocked your emergency fund? Treat monthly contributions to an emergency fund like any other bill. Start with small contributions and use unexpected money, like tax refunds, to boost your fund. More ways to save include asking family and friends for cash gifts instead of material gifts, selling unused or lightly used items and or becoming a gig worker on your own schedule. Simple habits, like packing a lunch or seeking out free activities, can also help grow your emergency fund steadily.

For additional financial resources, visit Take Charge America’s Budget Tools.