Fall has officially arrived, making it a great time to pause and take inventory of your finances. With summer in the rearview mirror and the holidays quickly approaching, this transitional season offers the perfect opportunity to revisit your budget, review your credit score, and realign your savings goals. A quick financial check-in now can help you finish the year strong and start the new one with greater confidence and control.

1. 1. Revisit Your Monthly Budget

Over time, spending habits shift. Whether it’s higher utility bills, back-to-school expenses, or increased grocery costs, your budget should reflect your current lifestyle. To help with fluctuations, we suggest:

• • • Tracking your expenses from the past few months to see where your money is going.
    • Compare your actual spending to your budgeted allowance and adjust categories where needed.
    • Plan for seasonal expenses, like holiday travel or winter clothing, so they don’t derail your financial plans.

If your budget feels outdated or rigid, consider switching to a more flexible model like the 50/30/20 rule, allocating 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

1. 2. Check In on Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, from loan approvals to interest rates. Take time this fall to review your credit and ensure everything is in good standing. Midwest Heritage offers a free service through online banking called Savvy Money where you can:

• • • Simulate credit events to see how it may impact your score.
    • Verify current accounts and monitor any unknown accounts or transactions that could indicate identity theft or reporting mistakes.
    • Review or download your credit report for free!
    • Set goals for your credit and have Savvy teach you ways to obtain that goal!

Improving your credit score now can give you more financial flexibility if you’re planning a big purchase, like a car or home, in the future.

1. 3. Reevaluate Your Savings Goals

With just a few months left in the year, it’s time to check your progress on any savings goals you set in January. Here are some things to consider:

• • • Are you on track? If not, consider making small adjustments to increase contributions, even temporarily.
    • Open or review savings accounts earmarked for specific goals, for example, emergency funds, vacations, or down payments.
    • Explore automated savings tools to simplify the process and make consistent progress, even during busy months.

If you’ve met your goals early, consider setting new ones or investing extra funds toward retirement or other long-term plans.

Start Fresh This Fall

A financial check-up doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it as seasonal maintenance, like changing your air filters or checking your smoke detectors. Small steps now can prevent bigger financial challenges later. Let’s make this fall a season of financial confidence and clarity.