Check your course on the 12-month financial roadmap
It's been a long financial journey for everyone in 2009. And, hopefully, having a 12-month financial roadmap helped. Now that it's the end of the year, it's time to see how well you did and how you can improve for 2010.
Specifically, how well have you been following the financial plan since June? Take a look at how you're progressing to determine if you need to make any changes to your financial plan. Were your goals too aggressive? Or maybe not aggressive enough? Edit your plan accordingly.
Would it help moving certain tasks in the financial roadmap to other months? Feel free to do so. Our recommended list of tasks is just that—a recommendation. But if you feel you can get more done in a month—or would prefer to save a task for another month—you can mix things up.
And don't forget to accomplish these other tasks for December:
Be ready to send in your FAFSA form.
Have children in college? Be ready to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form on January 1. It's the first day you can submit the form. For more information, visit 
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Clean out your file drawer.
Give yourself a fresh start to 2010 with a clean file cabinet. Go through all the documents you've accumulated. Then decide what you need to save and what you can shred and toss. Get files or a box ready to save the paperwork you'll need from 2009. You might even consider signing up for eStatements to reduce your paperwork. They can also make managing your account more secure.
Speaking of 2010, here's your 2010 financial roadmap:
Plan out your financial goals.
First things first—be sure your financial goals are in place. Look at any changes you felt you needed to make to your plan from December. Then list out any new goals and devise—or revise—your plan of action. Everything you do financially should flow from your plan. Remember to include goals such as paying off your credit cards. Refinancing your car. Or if you like, going on that European vacation. Take a look at our suggestions for 2010 to help you create your plan.
Open or check your retirement plans.
Take advantage of opportunities to do more with your money. Much more. You can start by participating in a 401(K) program or funding an IRA. Learn more about IRAs available through EverBank®. Already own one or more of these accounts? If so, evaluate your allocations. Is it time for a change? Are your assets properly diversified? Or consider increasing your monthly contribution to get as much out of the account as you can—whether it's an employer match or potential tax advantages.(Consult your tax advisor.)
Better manage your debt.
One of the most common New Year's resolutions is getting debt under control. And for good reason. High-interest rates can zap much of your income. And they make what you buy cost more than it's really worth. So first, take inventory of your liabilities. Then consider which rates you might be able to lower. Refinancing can help. Create a plan for having the debt(s) paid off. If need be, set up automatic payments.
Assess your life, home and auto insurance needs.
Have enough life insurance? You might need more—especially if you've experienced a life event such as an addition to your family, or if you've purchased a new home. Or how about home and auto insurance? Take a look at both the amount of home insurance you have and the value of your possessions to determine if you need more or less insurance. For example, consider increasing your coverage if the value of your home and possessions has increased beyond what your current home or renters insurance covers. You might also consider getting an umbrella policy. It provides added protection to your auto and homeowners insurance.
Has the value of your vehicle dropped? If so, consider increasing your deductibles on your comprehensive and collision coverage. Or drop them completely. It could save you a lot of money. (Consult with your insurance agent for expert advice.) To save even more, now would also be a good time to compare your rates to other insurance companies. You could get a better deal.
Photograph everything you own for insurance purposes.
You never know what could happen to your cherished belongings. So photograph everything. Or take digital inventory of your possessions in case you need to file a claim. Consider putting the photos in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Have antiques or other belongings that appreciate with time? Get them appraised this month, too.
Arrange your summer vacation(s).
Thinking about how you'd love to be relaxing in a different part of the country right now? Put those thoughts to good use by planning out your summer getaways. Planning far in advance may help you save money. And it'll give you more time to review all of your options. Be sure to take into account how much money you allotted yourself in your financial plan from January.
Prepare for the unexpected.
Make sure you have a plan in place in case the unexpected happens. (And let's hope it doesn't.) Experts agree you should have at least three to six months' salary saved up. In today's economy, some say you should save even more—up to nine months' or a year's salary.
Now is also a good time to create a will and/or trust. Or dust off ones you may already have. This helps make sure your assets will be handled properly and distributed the way you intend. Consider consulting a tax advisor, too. They can help you figure out the best way to protect the transfer of your assets. And keep key family members, friends, legal, and financial representatives updated on all of these matters. While you're at it, you might even update beneficiaries on your other financial accounts.
Ready yourself in case you lose your purse or wallet.
It could happen. You lose your purse or wallet, and you need to let your financial institutions know. So just in case, it's good to keep a list of all your financial accounts and assets. EverBank customers who are enrolled in our Online Financial Center can keep track of that information on our secure site.
Finish getting your tax paperwork together.
Tax day is still a month away. But don't wait. Get all your tax paperwork organized well before then. Companies and financial institutions have until February 1 to mail your W-2 statements, 1099 forms, and other financial documents. Contact your employer or financial institution if you don't receive them by then. They may not have your current address. If you still haven't received your W-2(s) by February 15 and you've contacted your employer(s), call the IRS for help at 800.829.1040.
File your taxes this month, if you haven't already.
You've got until April 15. Need more time to prepare? You might be able to apply for an extension. To learn how and find out the details behind applying, visit the IRS site.
Change your IRS withholding.
How large of an interest-free loan did you give to the federal government last year? Or did you have to pay a hefty sum? It's smart to review your IRS withholding to see if you need to increase or decrease it.
Make a last-minute contribution to your IRA.
Have you met the contribution limit for your IRA for last year? There's still time. You can make a contribution up until April 15 of this year. If you have a tax refund coming, you might also consider depositing your refund directly into your IRA. As always, consult your tax advisor.
Check their college savings plans.
School's getting out. And summer courses are starting soon. So now's the perfect time to think about your kids', grandkids', nieces' or nephews' college savings plans. Or review any plans you have in place. Can you contribute any more to their plans? Need to change allocations? Or if need be, speak with your financial advisor about starting one. Some plans even offer tax benefits. (Consult your tax advisor.)
Sell your used car.
High school and college kids will soon have summer jobs, so they might need cars. Do you have one to sell? If so, consider getting rid of it for some extra cash. Then use the money to pay off debts—or buy a Certificate of Deposit (CD). Why own a car that's decreasing in value when you can own something that's increasing in value? Learn more about CDs from EverBank.
Turn kids' clothing and toys—and your own—into cash.
Garage sale season will soon be in full swing. So consider having a sale of your own. That's a smart way to help make some extra money. Kids' clothing and toys in good condition are typically the most popular items. Just be sure older toys are still safe. It's also the perfect time to get rid of items you wanted to throw out during spring cleaning. Some neighborhoods require a permit to have a garage sale. Check with your neighborhood association to be sure.
Give your financial plan a checkup.
How well have you been following the financial plan you set up in January? Take a look. See how you've been progressing and if you need to make any changes to your financial plan. You may need to make cuts in certain areas if it's been difficult to follow.
Consider switching service providers.
Want better service from your cell phone, cable, Internet, or other service providers? Or want better rates? Check out the competition. Be on the lookout for offers that may come in the mail or visit competitor sites to compare pricing. The Web can also be a useful tool for learning about a company's service level through blog postings and ratings sites.
Review your bank accounts.
Compare your checking, savings, or money market accounts with other accounts that are out there to make sure you're still getting the best deal. Be sure to check out the rates offered by EverBank. With EverBank's Yield Pledge®, customers earn yields pledged to be among the top 5% of competitive accounts offered by leading banks.1 New customers can earn even more. How? Through our bonus rates. Apply online right now.
Already have one of these EverBank accounts? Make sure you have enough cash in these high-yield accounts to make the most of them. And don't forget to take advantage of direct deposit, external transfers, Online Banking, Bill Pay, and all that's available inside the Online Financial Center. These features can help you better manage your accounts. And help your friends manage their accounts as well. Be sure to tell them about us.
Celebrate—and maintain—your financial independence.
July is the perfect month to consider your disability insurance needs. Why? So you can maintain your financial independence in case you become ill or injured and are unable to work. You might already get disability benefits through your employer. Make sure those benefits will be enough to cover your current income. You may need to get supplemental insurance if you're not fully covered.
Prepare for year-end holidays now.
The end of the year brings holidays, celebrations—and expenses. How much can you afford? Determine that amount well ahead of time and make that your goal. It helps to write down all your expenses and then allocate your predetermined holiday budget. It also helps to start your holiday shopping early. It's less shopping you'll need to do come December.
Plan a winter “holiday” now.
Thinking about taking a vacation—or “holiday,” as they call it overseas—this winter? Start planning now. Remember, planning this far in advance may help you save money. And give you more time to review all of your options.
Make minor home fixes to save big.
Check around windows, doors, and air conditioning units. Then fill in any gaps that might cause air leaks, which can increase your energy bills. Want to conserve water and save money on your water bill? Place a small milk or soda bottle filled with water or sand in your toilet tank to decrease the amount of water used to fill up the tank. Even replacing regular light bulbs with those that are more energy efficient can help, saving electricity and money on your electricity bill.
Make green upgrades to your home.
Save the planet while saving money. Consider installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, windows, doors, and more. You might also qualify for a tax credit by installing some of these systems. (Consult your tax advisor.)
Check your credit report.
Make sure your credit information is in order. Examine your credit report from each of the big credit-reporting companies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You're entitled to one free credit report from each company every 12 months. You can get all three reports at once. Or request your report from Experian first, then Equifax four months later, and TransUnion four months after that. That's a smart way to monitor your credit all year long.
Check your credit score.
Planning on applying for credit soon? Maybe a car or home loan? Check your credit score. This score tells creditors how much of a potential risk you are for credit. The higher your credit score, the lower your risk. The three credit reporting agencies can provide you with this score. Your credit report is free. But checking your score may cost you a small fee.
Close unused financial accounts.
Already have your credit report? If so, give it a gander. Look for old bank accounts or credit cards you may have forgotten about and no longer need or use. Consider closing accounts that are newer and those with lower credit limits. Why? Keeping older accounts and those with greater credit limits is good for your credit score. But you may want to wait on closing any accounts if you're planning to apply for a loan within 12 months.
Donate to charity.
December 31 is the last day to make tax-deductible donations for the year. But consider making them this month. It's one less thing to do at the end of the year. And you're more likely to get on the pickup schedule if you're making donations that need to be picked up by a charitable organization—such as cars, furniture, or large appliances. Pickup schedules tend to fill up quickly the last two months of the year.
Look into volunteering.
Want to get more involved next year? Or right now? Use this month to look into potential volunteer opportunities. There are a number of sites online that can help you find places that need volunteers in your area. You may even be able to deduct transportation costs, supplies purchased, and other volunteer-related expenses.(Consult your tax advisor.)
Buy your Halloween costumes at nonprofit thrift stores.
Why spend a lot at costume rental stores, buying an expensive costume that may never be worn again? Buy one at your local nonprofit thrift store. You'll be helping nonprofit organizations with your purchase. And you can also find great deals that save you money.
Consider buying a new car.
Want to buy a car? Then wait until November or later. Dealerships typically get next year's models in August and September. Come November, they'll need to get rid of the old models. Year-end clearance sales often start in November, running through January. If you can wait, you may even consider buying a car in the winter months, since traffic through the dealerships is slower then. And dealers may be willing to cut you even better deals.
Consider buying a new home.
Home sales are often slower around the holidays—and during the winter months. So consider starting your house shopping then. If you're looking for a home, that is. You may find a home you love that needs to be sold quickly, and could get a great deal.
Make the most of your flexible spending account.
Participate in a tax-advantaged flex plan? Be sure to get all the money you set aside for the past year. Consider making necessary doctors appointments and remember to keep the records.
How has this financial roadmap helped you?
Are there tasks you feel are missing from the checklist? If you have anything you'd like to share about this financial roadmap,
please let us know 
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