February reset

February is the perfect reset month.

Here's a simple 15-minute financial tune-up I recommend doing once this month.

No stress. No perfection required.

1. START WITH YOUR CREDIT REPORT:

Start with your credit report.

Pull the full report, not just the score.

You can get it free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Look for errors.

Old balances.

Accounts that should be gone.

Small issues here don't feel urgent... Until they suddenly matter.

2. LIST YOUR DEBTS AND INTEREST RATES:

Highlight anything over 8%.

Those balances usually deserve attention first, even if you're only making small extra payments.

3. CHECK YOUR ESCROW AND INSURANCE:

Many homeowners saw changes this year without realizing it.

Taxes adjust.

Insurance premiums move.

Monthly payments shift.

Reviewing now beats being surprised later.

Write down one financial question you've been avoiding.

The one you keep saying you'll "get to later."

Then send it to me.

That's what I'm here for.

The takeaway:

Don't wait for a refinance moment.

Don't wait for rates to "do something."

Progress usually comes from small, boring moves made early... Not big decisions made under pressure.

Now is also the perfect time to set up your family budget.

Not a restrictive budget.

A realistic one.

What's coming in.

What's going out.

What's left over.

Most financial stress comes from not knowing — not overspending.

After that, pull one lever.

Not ten.

One.

Pay down a card.

Recast a loan.

Remove PMI.