January: Set financial goal(s). 

To do: Establish a small monthly goal that is doable for the year—feeling ambitious? Pick two larger goals that you can work on for the entire year. Need ideas? Listen to our "Setting Financial Goals" podcast episode. 

To pay: If you're self-employed or underpaying based on your income, make 2022 fourth-quarter estimated tax payments by January 15. 

February: Get organized. 

To do: Start organizing your W-2s, dividend statements, and other tax documents. Are you interested in learning how small business owners can reduce their tax bill? Watch now.

Bonus: Sign up for electronic tax returns to speed up the process.

March: Plan ahead.

To do: Select a date in March to create a plan for any tax refunds, bonuses, or pay increases you might get. You can read our ideas for tax refunds here.

Medicare reminder: March 31 is the last day for Medicare enrollees to apply for Parts A and B for coverage beginning in July.

April: Pay taxes. 

To do: File your taxes by April 18. Typically the due date is April 15, but it falls on a Saturday this year. Use IRS Form 4868 if you need an extension but note there may be penalties if you have taxes due. Taxes during retirement- it's more complicated than you think. Listen now.

Bonus: The last day to make 2022 IRA contributions is April 15. Could you contribute more to reap tax benefits? Log in to your account to find out.

May: Manage debt. 

To do: Take time to figure out your debt load. When you receive extra money, deciding if you should invest the funds or use them to pay off debt may be challenging. Use this calculator to help analyze your situation.

Bonus: Review and adjust your budget for significant events or activities in the coming months, like attending weddings or taking a vacation. 

June: College prep. 

To do: The final date to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2023–2024 school year is June 30. Though, the earlier you apply, the better. The FAFSA helps determine your child's eligibility for financial aid. If you have a college-age child, watch our strategies for saving for college video.

To pay: If you're self-employed or underpaying based on your income, make second-quarter estimated tax payments by June 15.

July: Boost your budget IQ. 

To do: Midyear is a great time to review your financial resolutions. Are you hitting spending and saving targets? If not, watch our video for practical and effective ways to keep your financial resolutions on track. You have time to change your habits before the year ends. 

Bonus: Adjust your budget to add extra contributions to your IRA or 401(k).

August: Credit score check. 

To do: Pick a day to check your credit score using one of the three free credit check services: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Checking your credit reports can help you detect any inaccurate or incomplete information a lender might see. Then you can learn what affects a credit score and how you can improve yours.

Bonus: Automate as much as possible by setting up auto-pay on your bills. Our 3 bucket approach can help simplify things.

September: Review benefits. 

To do: The employer benefits enrollment period typically starts in the fall and lasts four to six weeks. Set a reminder to review employee benefits like 401(k), health election, and life and disability insurance. Use our long-term care needs calculator.

Mark it down: If you're self-employed or underpaying based on your income, make third-quarter estimated tax payments by September 15.

October: College costs. 

To do: You can file a FAFSA for the 2024–2025 school year starting October 1. The last date you can file for that academic year is June 30, 2024. keep in mind that each state and college may have its own deadlines. Check the Federal Student Aid website for more info. It's never too early to start planning for college expenses. Listen to our podcast now for some great tips.

To pay: If you filed for an extension on your taxes, October 15 is your new deadline. 

November: Get ahead of debt. 

To do: An emergency fund should have 3+ months of expenses, which can seem overwhelming. The trick? Starting a little at a time with automated transfers will make it easier to save. Read our blog to learn 10 ways you can avoid getting back into debt after climbing out. 

Health insurance reminder: The federal health insurance marketplace enrollment for 2024 coverage starts November 1.

December: Plan for next year. 

To do: Enroll or change plans for 2023 federal health coverage by December 15.

To take: The government requires retirees older than 72 to take the required minimum distribution (RMDs) annually from retirement accounts by December 31 or the following April 1 for their first RMD, depending on when you turn 72. Calculate your retirement plan withdrawals here.

Your birthday 

• Gift yourself: Add extra to a retirement or savings account with a one-time deposit on your birthday. Your future self will thank you even if it's just $100. Listen here for help deciding which account to add it to.
• Turning 26? If you are still on your parent's health insurance, it's time to sign up for your own. You can sign up through your employer or explore plans at healthcare.gov.
• Turning 55 or older? Check out our blog post for a list of retirement milestones.