Do you find yourself spending more time planning your annual vacation than considering your personal finances? And when you finally get around to it, is it usually at the last minute? You’re not alone—many people put off or avoid financial planning altogether.
Personal financial planning is more of a continuous journey than a one-off chore. Taking a proactive approach and breaking it down into small, manageable steps makes it feel much less daunting and can lead to long-term benefits for you and the people you care about.
This personal finance calendar is designed to help you get started.
JANUARY
Resolve to make yourself financially fit in 2026
Double-check if and how much you can contribute to your workplace retirement plan.
FEBRUARY
Check your insurance policies to be sure you're not paying too much for the wrong kind of coverage.
MARCH
Check your credit report. You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies.
APRIL
File your income tax return by April 15. If you're requesting an automatic six-month extension, you still need to pay any taxes due by April 15.
April 15 is also the last day to make a contribution to your IRA
If applicable, first-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by April 15.
MAY
Create (or update) an inventory of your home and personal property for insurance or estate planning. Use your phone to record a video of your valuable possessions, and then store the video in a secure, remote location.
Review Estate Plan
JUNE
Perform a mid-year review of your finances to be sure you're on track:
- Double-check your actual year-to-date income and expenses against your projected budgets.
- Are you on track with your retirement contributions and other savings?
- Run a projection of your income taxes to be sure you are not paying too much or too little income tax (either through withholding or quarterly payments).
If applicable, second-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by June 15.
JULY
Build or refresh your money skills. Add at least one good book on personal finance or investing to your summer reading list.
AUGUST
If you took a vacation over the summer, compare what you spent to the amount you projected in your annual cash flow plan. Start thinking about your holiday budget.
SEPTEMBER
If applicable, third-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by September 15.
If you want to establish a SIMPLE IRA this year for your small business, the account must be opened by October 1.
OCTOBER
File your income tax return by October 15 if you requested a six-month extension back in April.
If you still want to establish and fund an individual 401(k) or SEP IRA for 2025, the account must be opened by your tax filing deadline plus any extensions, which is typically October 15 in 2026 for most small businesses.
As open enrollment season rolls around at work, take the time to review your health insurance coverage and other employer benefits.
NOVEMBER
Don't charge more for holiday gifts than you can comfortably pay for in full when the January credit card statements come around.
Take time to give thanks for another year of financial success. Review your charitable giving program and consider making tax-deductible gifts to charity or to a donor advised fund account before the end of the year.
DECEMBER
If you're 73 or older in 2026, don't forget to take your annual required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) account by December 31.
Get your annual Social Security Statement. Compare your earnings record against your old tax returns for accuracy.
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