Reminders
It’s our mission to help you win every day. Our daily reminders feature helps you remember the things you need to do on the days you need to do it.
Finance
19
Oct
Research one key investing concept and how it affects your future wealth
Pick one investing concept and learn how it affects your finances.
What you will need
- Internet access
- Trusted finance site/book
- Notebook or app
Steps to follow
- Select a concept (e.g., diversification).
- Research on Investopedia or a trusted site.
- Read or watch a short explainer.
- Write down how it applies to your goals.
- Discuss with a friend to reinforce learning.
- Apply the idea in your savings or investing strategy.
Benefits
Grow your wealth smarter
Avoid costly mistakes.
Build confidence
Lowers fear of investing.
Long-term impact
Small changes can yield $1,000s in returns.
18
Oct
Review your fall finances
Fall is the right time to reassess finances before holiday spending. Reviewing now lets you adjust budgets and savings goals. It also helps with tax planning before deadlines. A fall checkup ensures a smoother year-end.
What you will need
- Bank statements
- Budgeting spreadsheet/app
- List of holiday expenses
Steps to follow
- Collect recent income and expense records.
- Compare spending against your budget.
- Review savings progress.
- Check debts and payoff plans.
- Adjust before holiday spending starts.
- Note any tax planning steps.
Benefits
Avoid overspending
Prepares you for holiday costs.
Meet goals
Catch up before year-end.
Improve tax planning
Adjust withholdings early.
17
Oct
Create a log of all debts you owe to friends
Write down personal debts to friends or family to stay accountable.
What you will need
- Notebook or spreadsheet
- Payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal)
- Contact list
Steps to follow
- List all outstanding personal debts.
- Confirm amounts with friends if unsure.
- Record repayment dates and terms.
- Prioritize by amount or urgency.
- Pay using apps or cash.
- Mark debts as paid.
Benefits
Protect relationships
Prevents misunderstandings with friends.
Stay organized
Keeps small debts from being forgotten.
Build trust
Timely repayment strengthens bonds.
16
Oct
Review your credit score and note any inaccuracies
Check your credit score and correct errors in your report.
What you will need
- AnnualCreditReport.com login
- Personal ID
- Notebook for tracking disputes
Steps to follow
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for free reports.
- Download reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Review accounts, payment history, and inquiries.
- Highlight any mistakes or unfamiliar accounts.
- File disputes online with supporting documents.
- Check updates within 30–45 days.
Benefits
Save on loans
A 50-point improvement may cut loan interest by $1,000+.
Prevent fraud
Early detection stops identity theft.
Better approvals
Higher scores unlock more financial opportunities.
15
Oct
Get a money buddy
Pick a trusted friend or family member to check in on your spending, saving, and goals.
What you will need
- Calendar for scheduled check-ins
- Shared spreadsheet or Google Sheet
- Budgeting app
- Simple “ground rules” note (topics, tone, privacy)
- List of your goals, debts, and target dates
Steps to follow
- Choose a reliable person who is supportive and will be honest.
- Agree on scope: monthly budget, debt payoff, savings targets, and limits for impulse buys.
- Schedule recurring check-ins (15–20 minutes weekly or biweekly).
- Set up a shared sheet with income, bills, categories, and goal trackers.
- Define quick rules: no shaming, share receipts for big buys, decide how to handle slip-ups.
- Review results, set one action for the next check-in, and celebrate wins.
Benefits
Reduce impulse spending
Accountability can trim $25–$100+ per month in unplanned purchases.
Increase savings rate
Nudges often boost savings by 1–3% of take-home pay.
Avoid late fees
Regular check-ins help catch missed bills, preventing $25–$40 per incident.
14
Oct
Fund your flexible spending account (FSA)
Contribute pre-tax money to your FSA to cover health-related expenses.
What you will need
- Employer benefits portal
- List of expected expenses (co-pays, prescriptions, childcare)
- Payroll access
Steps to follow
- Log in to your employer’s benefits portal.
- Review eligible expenses and annual contribution limits.
- Estimate your medical or dependent care costs for the year.
- Set your annual FSA contribution amount.
- Confirm payroll deductions.
- Track spending to avoid forfeiting unused funds
Benefits
Tax savings
A $2,000 FSA contribution can save $400–$600 in taxes.
Budget smoothing
Saved funds help cover routine medical costs.
Lower net cost
Pre-tax dollars make expenses effectively cheaper.
13
Oct
Set up your online banking profile or update outdated details
Activate online banking and keep your personal details current.
What you will need
- Bank account number
- Personal ID
- Bank website or app
Steps to follow
- Visit your bank’s website or download their app.
- Register with your account number and ID details.
- Create a secure username and strong password.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Update your phone, email, and address.
- Set alerts for balances and transactions.
Benefits
Improve security
Real-time alerts help catch fraud fast.
Save time
Pay bills and transfer funds without branch visits.
Avoid missed notices
Updated contact info prevents disruptions.
12
Oct
Build up savings for an emergency fund
Set aside cash to cover at least three to six months of essential expenses.
What you will need
- Budget or expense tracker
- High-yield savings account
- Automatic transfer setup
Steps to follow
- Calculate three to six months of essential expenses.
- Open a dedicated high-yield savings account.
- Start with a small target (e.g., $500 or one paycheck).
- Automate transfers each payday, even if just $25–$50.
- Increase contributions when income rises or debt decreases.
- Use only for emergencies, not routine spending.
Benefits
Avoid debt
Prevents reliance on credit cards at 20%+ APR.
Peace of mind
Reduces financial stress during crises.
Protect long-term goals
Keeps retirement and investments untouched.
11
Oct
Check your loan interest rates
Review the interest rates on your current loans to see if refinancing makes sense.
What you will need
- Loan statements
- Calculator or spreadsheet
- Online refinancing rate comparison tools
Steps to follow
- Gather all current loan statements and note balances, rates, and terms.
- Use online calculators to estimate monthly payments at lower rates.
- Check current refinancing rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
- Compare potential savings against refinancing fees.
- Contact lenders for quotes or prequalification.
- Decide if refinancing is worth it and apply if beneficial.
Benefits
Lower monthly costs
Reducing a $200,000 mortgage by 1% can save ~$167/month.
Save over loan term
Interest reductions can total $10,000–$30,000+ over decades.
Simplify payments
Consolidation can replace multiple bills with one.
Home
19
Oct
Touch up indoor and outdoor paint for wear and tear
Repaint scuffed or worn areas indoors and outdoors to protect surfaces and freshen your home.
What you will need
- Matching paint
- Paintbrushes or rollers
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape and drop cloth
Steps to follow
- Clean and sand the worn area to smooth rough edges.
- Tape off nearby surfaces to keep lines clean.
- Apply primer if needed on bare wood or drywall.
- Paint over the spot with matching paint using a brush or roller.
- Allow to dry and apply a second coat for even coverage.
Benefits
Prevent water damage
Sealed surfaces stop costly rot or leaks ($500–$2,000).
Delay full repainting
Small touch-ups extend the life of big jobs ($3,000–$8,000).
Boost resale value
Fresh paint improves curb appeal.
18
Oct
Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs
Safely remove wasp nests near your home to reduce stings and infestations.
What you will need
- Wasp spray (long-distance jet)
- Protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves, glasses)
- Flashlight (for night checks)
Steps to follow
- Identify small nests early before they grow larger.
- Wear protective clothing to reduce sting risk.
- Spray the nest at night with wasp spray from a safe distance.
- Wait 24 hours and check if all activity has stopped.
- Knock down and dispose of the nest safely.
Benefits
Avoid medical costs
Reduces risk of stings and ER visits ($200–$1,000).
Save on exterminators
Early DIY removal prevents pro service calls ($150–$400).
Protect property
Stops wasps from spreading into siding or attics.
17
Oct
Have your car battery checked by a mechanic
Test your car battery to avoid getting stranded with a dead engine.
Steps to follow
- Schedule a quick visit to a mechanic or auto parts store for a battery check.
- Have them test voltage and cold cranking amps to measure health.
- Replace the battery if readings are weak or it’s more than 3–5 years old.
- Ask about terminal cleaning to improve connections.
- Keep records of the test and replacement date for future checks.
Benefits
Avoid towing fees
Catching battery failure early prevents breakdowns ($100–$300).
Protect electrical system
Healthy batteries prevent starter/alternator stress ($300–$800 repairs).
Extend battery life
Regular checks can squeeze out extra months of use ($100–$200 saved).
16
Oct
Rake leaves
Rake and collect fallen leaves to protect your lawn and keep your yard tidy.
What you will need
- Work gloves
- Leaf rake or leaf blower
- Yard waste bags or compost bin
Steps to follow
- Put on gloves and gather your rake, blower, or other tools.
- Rake leaves into piles working in one direction across the yard.
- Bag leaves for disposal or transfer to a compost bin.
- Check gutters and pathways for leaf buildup that blocks drainage.
Benefits
Avoid lawn repairs
Prevents reseeding or sod replacement ($500–$1,500).
Cut pest control costs
Removing damp piles reduces rodent and insect infestations ($200–$500).
Save on mulch
Composting leaves provides free garden material ($50–$100).
15
Oct
Repair a loose or broken towel rack
Fix a loose towel rack to keep it sturdy and prevent wall damage.
What you will need
- Screwdriver or drill
- Wall anchors or toggle bolts
- Level
- Pencil
Steps to follow
- Remove the towel rack and check for stripped screws or damaged drywall.
- Mark new holes with a level for alignment.
- Install wall anchors or toggle bolts if no studs are behind the mounting points.
- Reattach the towel rack with screws tightened securely.
- Test by pulling gently to ensure it’s solid.
Benefits
Prevent wall repairs
Reinforcement avoids drywall patching ($100–$300).
Avoid replacements
Keeps racks usable longer, saving $20–$100.
Maintain bathroom function
Secure racks reduce clutter and towel mess.
14
Oct
Dust and clean curtains and blinds
Dust curtains and blinds to improve air quality and extend fabric life.
What you will need
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Microfiber cloth or duster
- Mild detergent (for washable curtains)
- Step stool
Steps to follow
- Vacuum curtains with a brush attachment to lift dust without damaging fabric.
- Dust blinds gently with a microfiber cloth or duster, slat by slat.
- Wash washable curtains in the machine with mild detergent and hang to dry.
- Wipe curtain rods and window frames to remove hidden dust.
- Rehang curtains or adjust blinds once everything is dry and clean.
Benefits
Avoid dry-cleaning costs
Regular upkeep reduces professional cleaning needs ($50–$150).
Extend fabric life
Less dust and sunlight wear delays replacement ($100–$500 per set).
Improve indoor air quality
Reduces allergens, lowering cleaning and medical costs.
13
Oct
Aerate the lawn
Aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction and promote stronger grass growth.
What you will need
- Lawn aerator (manual or rental machine)
- Garden rake
- Hose or sprinkler
Steps to follow
- Water the lawn lightly the day before to soften the soil.
- Run the aerator across the yard in straight lines, covering the entire area.
- Rake up soil plugs or leave them to break down naturally.
- Water the lawn again to help soil settle and roots absorb nutrients.
Benefits
Reduce lawn treatments
Healthier roots need less fertilizer, saving $50–$100 yearly.
Avoid full lawn replacement
Aeration prolongs lawn life, avoiding $1,500+ reseeding or sod.
Lower water bills
Looser soil improves absorption, cutting irrigation costs.
12
Oct
Inspect your home’s exterior and do any small repairs
Walk around your home to spot and fix small exterior issues before they become costly.
What you will need
- Notepad or phone (to list repairs)
- Caulk gun and exterior caulk
- Paint and brush (for touch-ups)
- Basic hand tools
Steps to follow
- Walk the full perimeter of your house looking for cracks, gaps, or damage.
- Note small repairs like peeling caulk, chipped paint, or loose siding.
- Apply caulk or touch-up paint where needed to seal and protect surfaces.
- Tighten any loose fixtures like hose bibs or outdoor lights.
- Schedule larger repairs with a pro if you find structural issues.
Benefits
Prevent water damage
Small fixes avoid repairs costing $500–$3,000.
Save on pest control
Sealing gaps stops infestations ($200–$500).
Protect property value
Curb appeal and maintenance support resale value.
11
Oct
Insulate your hot water heater
Wrap your hot water heater with insulation to cut heat loss and save on energy bills.
What you will need
- Water heater insulation blanket
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Duct tape
Steps to follow
- Measure the water heater to choose the right size insulation blanket.
- Turn off power or gas supply before starting for safety.
- Wrap the insulation blanket around the tank, trimming around pipes, thermostat, and controls.
- Tape seams securely so the blanket stays in place.
- Restore power or gas and enjoy better efficiency.
Benefits
Lower utility bills
Insulation can save $20–$50 annually.
Extend equipment life
Reduces strain on the heating element, delaying replacements ($500–$1,500).
Quick return on investment
Blankets often cost under $40 and pay for themselves in one year.