Buzz
Photo: Tanja Ivanova/Getty ImagesThe year is quickly coming to a close! If you've been wrapped up in holiday shopping, spending quality time with loved ones, or enjoying festive celebrations, it's totally understandable if you've been a bit distracted—no worries here. There's still time to prepare for a fresh start in the new year; to assist, we spoke with a few experts to uncover the most frequent tasks people forget to handle before the year's end. Think of this as your friendly nudge!
Pay Rent
The holiday season can be overwhelming and pricey, making it easy to forget that rent and other bills still need to be paid. Allie Echeverria, a millennial home economics expert, advises, "Since New Year's Day is a holiday, make sure to pay your rent and any other bills by December 30th to avoid late fees and ensure timely processing," she recommends.
Stock Up on Groceries
Echeverria recommends placing an order for groceries to be delivered on Sunday, January 5. She suggests, "Set yourself up for a successful start to January and skip the crowded supermarket experience." If possible, consider visiting your local Costco, Sam's Club, or other warehouse store beforehand. Echeverria points out, "Costco is surprisingly calm and pleasant on New Year's Eve."
Show Appreciation with Tips
Cash makes a perfect gift for just about anyone during the holidays. "Take the time to get cash from the bank and tip the fantastic service workers who’ve made your year easier, like your mail carrier, trash and recycling services, cleaners, and hairstylists," says Lindsey Mahanna, a professional organizer. If you’re too busy to visit the bank, using Venmo, Zelle, or a similar app is just as convenient as handing over paper money.
Make Charitable Contributions
Why not finish the year on a positive note by supporting those in need? Mahanna suggests making charitable donations before the year ends. If you're unsure which cause to support, consider donating to local animal organizations, shelters for foster youth, children’s hospitals, or places that help victims of domestic violence.
Submit Your FSA Claims
Looking to get reimbursed for your FSA purchases? It's easy to forget about submitting those expenses and miss out on reimbursements, says Mahanna. If you haven’t used your FSA yet, this is the ideal moment to do so. Review your policy carefully before buying, but think about stocking up on essential items like over-the-counter medication (maybe grab a big bottle of Advil for that inevitable New Year’s Day hangover), new glasses, extra contact lenses, or even some skincare products. Fun fact: items containing sunscreen, like your go-to moisturizer, are typically eligible for FSA reimbursement.
Complete a Financial Health Check
Financial advisor Jen Reid recommends conducting a financial checkup before the year concludes. "Take a moment to assess your investments and consider whether you want to recognize any losses," she advises. She also suggests reviewing your Cash Flow to understand where your money has gone and how much you’ve saved up.
Do you have any retirement savings? "Consider whether you'd like to make any Roth conversions, or if you’d prefer to increase your contributions to your workplace retirement plan," Reid advises.
Stay in the Moment
Lastly, it’s crucial to stay present during these often hectic final days of the year. "In our rush to fulfill holiday and year-end expectations, we often lose sight of being truly present," says Rachel Lovitt, a holistic movement specialist. "We zip around completing tasks, but aren’t really engaged. Imagine what it would be like if you acknowledged your feelings right now. What if you could slow down and fully engage with what you're doing, even if it's fast-paced or intended for others?" And if you weren’t fully present in 2024, remember that a new year brings a chance for a fresh start and change.
