September to-do list

September is a big month for me. In no particular order (err, actually it’s in rough chronological order):

My “work year” resets (happy new year coworkers!);
My sister’s birthday;
My wife’s birthday;
My grandmother’s birthday; and
My birthday!

That’s pretty much it. Seeing it on the screen doesn’t seem that impressive I guess, but it always seems like a big month for me. Aaaaaaaanyhow, in addition to my annual physical this year, and in addition to my “work new years resolutions” (this year is to have “more complete weekends”), I’m going to put together a September to-do list.

I’ll start with the most glaring problems with my financial plan: estate planning and disability insurance. To that I’ll add a few things that I’ve been wanting to do for a while, but just haven’t for some reason.

OK. So here is the September to-do list:

“Rough out” an estate plan. I’ll probably wait until October to put the plan in place (for a number of reasons – none of which are great, but there are a bunch of them), but September is the month I’ll put it all together. Of course, my wife will play a big part in this process, so excuse the references to “I.” I’m a bit inconsistent with the “I/we” references. I need to work on that….;
Check into disability insurance. I have disability insurance though work, but I have no idea how it works. So I’m going to learn that. If it’s not enough then I’m going to shop around for replacement;
Rebalance my investment portfolio. I’ve been a little heavy in “cash equivalents” for a while and need to rebalance into other asset classes. Basically I’m all stocks, cash and real estate right now (also “collectibles,” but those are on their way out slowly); and
Shop around for homeowners insurance for my rental property. I’m pretty sure I’m overpaying.

And don’t forget my “work new year’s resolution” (more “complete” weekends away from work).

That doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a good start. I’m sure there is plenty more for me to do. But (God willing) there are many more months to do them. Any suggestions?

What’s missing in your plan that you can do in September? Pay off that pesky credit card? Put a will together? Get life insurance? Start (or increase the amount you put into) a 401(k)? Open an IRA? Pick at least one and commit to it.

Feel free to do it right in the comment. And next month I’ll hold you accountable in my update post!

And, of course, put your credit card down and slowly step away from the mall!