July 28, 2022

We’re already halfway through 2022, and uncertainty, inflation, and volatility have been some of the common themes for many investors in the market.

Now is the perfect time for a mid-year financial check-in. The Fed recently increased short-term interest rates with the biggest boost since 1994, and you may also be dealing with increasing rates on personal loans, auto loans, new mortgages, and credit cards.

Rising household debt payments are one of the leading reasons for increasing for boosting interest rates. Rapid inflation has already hit people in their wallets with grocery bills, gas prices, and other regular costs.

Now is the perfect time to look at whether or not you can look at opportunities to reduce your expenses, whether or not you have a tendency to buy more expensive purchases over the course of time, the current interest rates on your existing debt, whether or not you need to tap into a new income stream to help you cover additional expenses, and whether or not now is the right time to rent or purchase a home based on increasing interest rates.

If it’s been some time since you looked at your estate plan, pull out those documents and complete a quick review:

• Check the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies
• Check the beneficiaries on your retirement account
• Review your will to ensure the assets inside and the people named are still accurate for your wishes

Your estate planning needs might have changed since the last time you touched base. If you haven’t tackled your estate plan yet but it’s been on your list for some time, make a list of your goals, assets, and liabilities to work with an estate planning attorney.

Set aside time to work with a qualified estate planning professional to learn more.