Financial Micro Goals You Can Tackle in 15 Minutes or Less

As busy veterinary professionals, our time is in high demand. Getting your finances in order can seem overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you make progress on your financial goals with minimal time investment.

1) Check Your Accounts

Do a quick scan of your checking, savings, and credit card accounts. If there is a transaction you don’t recognize, get in touch with your bank as soon as possible to report the issue.

2) Pay Right Away

For any bill that can’t be paid automatically, pay it the day it arrives in your mailbox.

3) Track Your Spending

Check in to your budgeting app or look back at your credit card and bank statements over the past month. Are you overspending in any categories? Are you on track for your savings goals? Adjust as needed.

4) Unsubscribe

Make a list of your subscriptions and cancel any you are not using regularly. Examples may include streaming services, pet or beauty boxes, publications, and delivery services.

5) Check Your Credit

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and ask for a free credit report. You can do this once yearly for each credit bureau. 

You can also monitor your credit score for free year-round with an app like Credit Karma.

6) Boost Your Savings

Open a high-yield savings account for your emergency fund. If you already have one, check to be sure you have (or are on track to save) at least 3 to 6 months of expenses.

7) Clear the Clutter

Unsubscribe from retail emails. They crowd your inbox and beg you to spend more.

8) Consume Financial Content

Read a personal finance blog or tune into a financial podcast.

9) Review Your Benefits

Look through your company’s benefits handout. Are there benefits you’re not using? Are there benefits you can maximize, like your 401(k) contributions?

10) Set Small, Achievable Goals

Break your big financial goals down into small steps. What is the next action you can take this week, or this month? 

Breaking down your goals into manageable action steps can help you feel accomplished and ready to take on your next challenge. 

Meredith Jones, DVM, CSLP®