Once our tax returns are mailed and our copies filed, we tend to think of our major financial chores as “finished” for the year—but are they really? I’d like to suggest that we think of April as a time for a “spring housecleaning” of our finances. Here are just a few simple tasks that could help you protect your security and prepare for your future:

1. Shred any documents you no longer need but which contain private information. You can find information about Salal’s upcoming free shredathon and what documents you can shred and what you should retain later in this newsletter.
2. Audit your online security. Is your computer secure from scammers, hackers, viruses and other maliciousness? Update your online security and be sure you and your family are well-trained to spot possible scams and trojan horses. Our blog, Let’s Get Fiscal, often has alarms and updates on current scams, so feel free to check what “Captain Safety” has to say!
3. Scan your statements for evidence of fraud. You should do this every month or even more frequently. If you sign up for Salal’s Online Banking, you can check your account activity whenever it is convenient for you.
4. Order your free credit reports from the “big three” reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) at annualcreditreport.com. You are entitled to one free credit report from each agency every year, and this site will provide those reports. Be careful of other sites that claim to provide free credit reports but may sign you up for subscription services.
5. Investigate expenses by reviewing receipts or credit card bills. My family does this every year, and every year we are surprised with ways we can save: we can cancel that monthly magazine none of us has time to read or renegotiate our car insurance after another year of accident- and ticket-free driving.
6. Increase your retirement contributions. Did you get a raise? Allot a little of it to your retirement accounts; you’ve lived without the extra money this long, so consider setting those funds aside for the future, opting instead for a richer retirement.

The weather may not reflect it, but spring truly is here, so why not do your finances a favor with some spring cleaning? If you have questions about any of these suggestions, feel free to ask us. Visit your Salal branch or give us a call at 800.562.5515 or 206.298.9394.

Filed under: President's Corner by admin