Name beneficiaries. After years of thinking I d named a beneficiary on my 401(k), I recently checked my online account to find it blank. Take a few minutes to ensure all your retirement or investment accounts have the right beneficiary listed (note that you ll need your beneficiary s Social Security number to make it official). This isn t fun to think about, but it s a small task that, if ignored, can cause more than a headache for your heirs.
Revisit auto-save (or set it up!). Automatic savings is a smart strategy because it doesn t require any ongoing effort. But don t forget to revisit the amount you re saving, especially if your income has gone up or your goals have changed.
The best Bank of America credit cards in 2021:
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The best IRA accounts of April 2021
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Audiobooks are convenient, low-lift tickets to another world.
Now, six years later, I find myself in a similar tear. A year of isolation and stress, it turns out, can manifest itself in a perpetual state of exhaustion to me, it feels like a listless (yet impatient) energy. At the end of the day, when my eyes are tired, a paperback can feel more like a stationary exercise in self-improvement than viable escapism.
Audiobooks are convenient, low-lift tickets to another world. And they allow me to pack more activities into a single day without burning out.
Sometimes I lounge in a bath listening to Bad Blood, or crank out some endorphins on a walk while a British narrator reads me a new mystery thriller or an author provides her first-hand experience researching extremism. And when I run out of baths to take or walks to go on,
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Michele Cagan
Michele Cagan is a CPA, author, and financial mentor. With more than 20 years of experience, she offers unique insights into personal financial planning, from breaking out of debt and minimizing taxes to maximizing income and building wealth. Michele has written numerous articles and books about personal finance, investing, and accounting, including The Infographic Guide to Personal Finance, Retirement 101, and Debt 101.
In addition to her financial know-how, Michele has a not-so-secret love of painting, Star Wars, and chocolate. She lives in Maryland with her son, dogs, cats, and koi. Get more financial guidance from Michele by visiting her website.