I have to admit that I am a planner – I already have my 2012 calendar. Even if you prefer to live in the moment, you have to admit that some areas of your life must be planned ahead.
For example: if you are a homeowner and have your homeowner’s insurance escrowed, you can’t just switch insurance companies a week or two before the policy is set to renew. You need to make the changes ahead of time so that your mortgage servicer can send the check to the new insurance company.
Getting divorced? You might have to make alimony or child support payments. Children grown? Your alimony or child support will be ending soon. Is your employer struggling? You could see a reduction in wages, medical coverage or even be laid off.
Finances can be overwhelming. They certainly can be if you have to make many changes in a short amount of time.
I pencil noteworthy financial dates in my calendar to help me start the process early. In my case, my homeowner’s insurance policy will expire in early February. I don’t want to tackle this project during the holidays, so it’s on my calendar to do in early December.
Thinking ahead will save you the eleventh hour stress. Look at your year and pencil in the important changes you have coming in your future. By addressing these matters with time on your side, you can do more comparison shopping and make changes to save money. Get out your 2012 calendar and start planning.