Logo

Making the Most of Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup

7 min read
Blog-Mid-Year-Financial-Checkup 2021
  • Checking in on your financial plan mid-year helps you reflect on the progress you've already made, and it's also a good opportunity to make any changes and adjustments necessary to ensure you reach the financial goals you set out to achieve. 

  • From rethinking your budget and debt repayment strategy to reviewing your credit reports and revisiting your personal goals, a mid-year check in can help you map out the best plan for the remaining months of the year.

  • Building your emergency fund, monitoring your spending, and renegotiating bills are some of the ways you can keep up the momentum and your personal finances on track.

Without regular attention and ongoing maintenance, financial plans tend to be forgotten or simply fall apart. Reviewing the plan you made six months ago not only allows you to reflect on the progress you've made, it's an organizational opportunity to ensure you stay on track by adjusting your saving, budgeting, and spending as needed—before it's too late.  

Why Mid-Year Financial Checkups Work

Setting your financial goals and developing a budget at the beginning of the year helps you focus on what you want to achieve in the year ahead. Life events like the birth of child, a job change, or economic fluctuations can trigger tax and other financial implications that require immediate attention. 

Checking in on your financial plan mid-year can help you reflect on the progress you've already made, but also be an opportune time to make any changes and adjustments necessary to ensure you reach the financial goals you set out to achieve. It is also a great time to reevaluate your overall plans. 

Maybe your savings priorities changed, you got a new job, or your expenses are more than you anticipated. Regardless of where you are mid-year, pausing midway through the year to review your financial picture can help you map out the best plan for the remaining months ahead.

8 Ideas for Your Mid-Year Financial Review

1. Rethink your budget.

Your budget should be a top priority for any financial checkup. If you created a new budget at the beginning of the year, now is the perfect time to reflect on how well that budget is working for you. Have you made progress toward your goals? If not, consider cutting spending and building savings to help build momentum for the remaining months of the year.  

This is also a good time to decide if your budget is really working for you. If you created a detailed budget that you’re having a difficult time sticking with, consider shifting to a more realistic (flexible) spending plan. Remember, there's no one right way to manage your money.  

2. Look at your credit report.

Checking your credit report throughout the year helps you make sure you’re in good shape should you need to apply for new credit. But even if you’re not actively looking to borrow money right now, checking your credit report allows you to make sure you’re not a victim of identity theft or fraud. It’s also the first step in correcting any information that may be inaccurate. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain free copies of your reports from all three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

3. Renegotiate your lease.

Over the past two years, rent prices have generally increased by more than 15% nationally. The national median rental now stands at $2,029. If your lease is up for renewal soon, it may be time to re-evaluate your lease agreement to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth and paying for only what you need. Usually, landlords want to keep good tenants and so the good news is you may not have to move to find a better deal. You can start by looking at similar nearby rental rates to get a sense of the market and determine a price that seems fair and manageable. About two to three months before your lease expires, approach your landlord to ask if they would be willing to negotiate on the rent. Offering them something in return—such as signing a longer lease or paying the last month’s rent upfront—may help swing things in your favor. Timing often matters when it comes to negotiating your rent so it’s best to know whether you’re in a buyer’s market or your landlord plans to sell the property soon.

4. Check your health benefits.

If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event or your financial situation has changed, you may not have to wait for the open enrollment period (November through January, typically) to buy a new health plan or makes changes to an existing plan. While it varies by state, some common ways you can qualify for a special enrollment window include:

  • Loss of employer-sponsored coverage, aging out of your parent’s health plan, becoming ineligible for student health coverage

  • Relocation

  • Marriage or divorce

  • Birth or adoption of a child

  • Low-income families

  • Returning from active-duty military service

  • Gaining citizenship or permanent legal residency

5. Reevaluate your retirement accounts.

When was the last time you reviewed your 401(k) plan and/or IRAs? Not only does making the maximum allowable contribution using pre-tax dollars add up significantly over time, if you're not taking advantage of a company 401(k) match, that's money you're leaving on the table. 

Mid-year is also a good time to look at your investment strategy. How have market fluctuations affected your portfolio? Are your investment choices holding up? This isn’t something you have to do alone. Many companies offer assistance with retirement planning, or you can reach out to a certified financial planner to help you develop or make any needed adjustments.  

6. Anticipate tax implications.

Assessing your taxes halfway through the year can help you reduce your tax burden and mitigate any potential tax consequences. It’s always a good idea to review your tax withholdings mid-year to ensure you’re not over- or under-contributing and adjust accordingly. Also, think about any major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or starting a business, and how it may affect your taxes at the end of the year.

7. Reexamine your debt strategy.

If you’re having trouble finding the motivation to repay your debt, consider the debt snowball method. With this strategy, you pay as much as you can each month toward your smallest debt while paying only the minimum due on your other debts. When the first debt is paid off, you move on to the next smallest, and so on until you work your way up until all your debt is paid off.  

If you’re motivated to pay off your debt but feeling overwhelmed by interest rates and overall costs, the debt avalanche method could be the strategy you need. It works by paying your debts with the highest interest rates first, paying only the minimum on your other debts, then moving on to the next highest, and so on. This method requires more discipline, but it could save you more money in the long run.  

8. Revisit your personal financial goals.

If over the past year you’ve had to delay plans that would help you move forward financially, such as buying a new home, landing a new job, relocating to a more affordable area, or retiring early, you’re not alone. Though disappointing, financial setbacks are usually good chances to revisit how to bring about true financial change.

Looking back over the past several years, many of us have had time to assess what’s next as individuals and a society. We have a fresh opportunity to envision what our future could look like outside the box of what makes a ”good” life. When we go through periods of disruption, loss, or major change, it’s an excellent time to rewrite the rules for ourselves and build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable way of living that enables even greater financial security for you and your family.

Taking Action After Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup

A mid-year financial checkup should give you a clear idea of what actions you need to take to stay on track for your goals. Here are some tried-and-true recommendations to help you keep moving forward through the remainder of the year. 

1. Build or maintain your emergency fund.

Putting even a small amount aside for emergencies can help you recover more quickly from financial setbacks and keep your finances on track. If you don’t already have three to six months of living expenses set aside, recommit to allocating money each month to rebuild or contribute even more to your emergency fund. It might take a while, but it’s worth it. Plus, stashing the money into a high-yield savings account can help your money grow faster compared to a regular checking or savings account.

2. Monitor your spending.

Go through your bank and credit card statements from the past couple of months and make a list of all expenses you can either cut back on or eliminate altogether. Don’t stop at just the shopping and dining out expenses. Instead, take a close look at all your monthly subscriptions, memberships or similar expenses. Chances are there are at least a few services you’re paying for that you’ve forgotten about or no longer really need.  

3. Get a break on your insurance rates.

Many insurance carriers offer discounts to loyal customers with safe driving records. If you’ve been paying the same rate for years, consider contacting your provider about potential discounts. It can also pay to shop around. Compare rates against a few insurance companies to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.  

4. Get cozy with your credit score. 

A higher credit score can generally help you access more favorable interest rates on credit cards, auto insurance premiums, as well as higher borrowing limits and terms on personal loans. If your score dropped since the beginning of the year, don’t be discouraged. Instead, find out why your credit score dropped, focus on making on-time payments across all your credit accounts, and work on paying down debt. These are major factors credit reporting companies use in determining your credit score.  

5. Renegotiate cable and internet bills.

If you want to lower your cable and internet bills, try renegotiating with your current provider before switching over to another company. You might be surprised by how much you can knock off your bill just by asking. A quick phone call could help you uncover a special deal you didn’t know about, or your provider might be willing to offer you a discount to keep you from leaving.  

6. Consider your loan options.

If you’ve improved your credit score over the past year and you’re looking to pay down high-interest debt, consider a debt consolidation loan. A debt consolidation loan is a form of debt refinancing that combines multiple balances from credit cards and other high-interest loans into a single loan with a fixed rate and term. It can help you save money by reducing your interest rate or make it easier to pay off debt faster. A debt consolidation loan may also lower your monthly payment. Shop around for the best APR and loan terms by checking your rate with several different lenders before making a decision. And avoid the temptation to accumulate new debt while you’re paying off your debt consolidation loan.

The Bottom Line

Examining your finances midway through the year is a good habit to get into. A mid-year financial checkup allows you to assess how well you’re progressing toward your annual financial goals and make adjustments along the way—like retooling your budget, cash flow, spending, living expenses, and health benefits.

These checkups, combined with everyday financial health practices, can help you keep your personal finances on track, no matter what life may throw your way. 

Check Your Rate

You May Also Like

Related Resource Center
Your credit score plays a key role in nearly every aspect of your financial life—from the rates you receive on loans to applying for utility services and cellphone plans. Given how often those numbers will come into play, it is a smart move to aim for the best scores you can.
Jul 13, 2024
9 min read
What Affects Your Credit Scores?
Identity theft happens when your personal information is stolen and used without your permission. Understanding the warning signs, knowing how to protect your information, and what to do if your identity is stolen can help keep your identity safe and recover faster. 
Jul 6, 2024
9 min read
Preventing Identity Theft
Identifying red flags and knowing how to correct inaccuracies in your credit report can help keep your credit score in good shape. Here's what you need to know.
Jun 25, 2024
10 min read
How to Read Your Credit Report: Red Flags and Errors You Should Dispute
Often a measure of last resort, reasons for filing bankruptcy frequently involve overwhelming medical debt, financial strain due to a divorce, or an unaffordable mortgage.
Oct 17, 2023
6 min read
Exasperated looking young woman sitting at desk looking at laptop holding papers in one hand and her head in the other
With the cost of consumer goods increasing, many Americans have less available cash to pay down credit card balances. At the same time, rising interest rates make carrying a balance on your credit cards even more expensive.
Mar 27, 2023
7 min read
6 Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast | RC
Related Impact
From groceries and diapers to Halloween costumes for pets, nearly 60% of American consumers prefer to shop online for everyday items that make life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable. And with rising prices showing no signs of stopping anytime soon, we’re pleased to introduce StackitTM from LendingClub Bank—a new browser extension that automatically finds and rewards eligible members with coupons and cash back for extra savings at more than 15,000 favorite online retailers.
Nov 13, 2022
2 min read
blog header stackit 765x430 v1-1
Even in today’s low-yield, high-inflation environment, it’s essential to keep a certain amount of money in an easy-to-access checking or savings account for things like daily household and emergency expenses, or to meet short-term financial goals.
Oct 2, 2022
5 min read
LendingClub Rewards Checking Nationally Certified as Trusted, Afforda
Since 2007, LendingClub has been on a mission to deliver a world-class experience to all our members. This month we took a moment to reflect on the more than four million members who have chosen LendingClub as their partner to help them reach their financial goals.
Apr 19, 2022
2 min read
Illustration of large number 4 and letter M made up of colorful, tiny illustrations of ethnically diverse people
In March 2022, we hosted our first quarterly webinar where we celebrated our one-year anniversary as a digital marketplace bank. 
Mar 6, 2022
less than a minute read
Blog-post
LendingClub completed the acquisition of Radius Bank in February 2021. At that time, in addition to the direct-to-consumer deposit business, we inherited a fintech partner program, and several lending businesses. As we reach the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, and in conjunction with the conclusion of a strategic review of our business operations, we have made the decision to discontinue certain businesses that don’t fit our mission.  
Jan 2, 2022
2 min read
Man in blue button up shirt and glasses smiling
Related FAQ's
We offer several ways for you to make your monthly auto loan payment, so you can choose the method that works best for you. A statement will be mailed to you every month that shows the payment amount and due date.
Nov 29, 2023
less than a minute read
LendingClub provides a year-end statement that summarizes your account activity, including how much interest you’ve earned and information regarding Notes tied to loans that have been charged off.
Jun 7, 2023
less than a minute read
Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll try to confirm your information on our own. Sometimes, you may need to submit a few documents to confirm your identity, income, or vehicle ownership.
Jun 7, 2023
less than a minute read
Once you submit your Auto Refinance application, we may ask you for additional paperwork to verify your information.
Jun 7, 2023
2 min read
If we’re not able to offer you a lending product, you're welcome to apply through one of our lending partners.
Jun 7, 2023
2 min read
Related Glossary
{noun} A type of credit that allows the borrower to make charges and payments against a set borrowing limit, paying interest only on outstanding balances.
Sep 6, 2023
4 min read
{noun} The total annual cost to borrow money, including fees, expressed as a percentage.
Mar 21, 2023
3 min read
{noun} The amount of unpaid interest that has accumulated as of a specific date, either on a loan or an interest-bearing account or investment. 
Mar 21, 2023
4 min read
A debt that is written off as a loss because the financial institution or creditor believes it is no longer collectible due to a substantial period of nonpayment.
Feb 7, 2023
3 min read
{noun} An interest rate that remains the same for a set time, usually for the life of the loan.
Feb 4, 2023
3 min read

LendingClub Bank and its affiliates (collectively, "LendingClub") do not offer legal, financial, or other professional advice. The content on this page is for informational or advertising purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. LendingClub is not affiliated with or making any representation as to the company(ies), services, and/or products referenced. LendingClub is not responsible for the content of third-party website(s), and links to those sites should not be viewed as an endorsement. By clicking links to third-party website(s), users are leaving LendingClub’s website. LendingClub does not represent any third party, including any website user, who enters into a transaction as a result of visiting a third-party website. Privacy and security policies of third-party websites may differ from those of the LendingClub website.

Savings are not guaranteed and depend upon various factors, including but not limited to interest rates, fees, and loan term length.

A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $19,584 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 10.29% and a 6.00% origination fee of $1,190 for an APR of 14.60%. In this example, the borrower will receive $18,663 and will make 36 monthly payments of $643. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000 and loan term lengths range from 24 months to 60 months. Some amounts, rates, and term lengths may be unavailable in certain states.

For Personal Loans, APR ranges from 9.57% to 35.99% and origination fee ranges from 3.00% to 8.00% of the loan amount. APRs and origination fees are determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is available to borrowers with excellent credit. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of July 11, 2024 and are subject to change without notice.

Checking a rate through us generates a soft credit inquiry on a person’s credit report, which is visible only to that person. A hard credit inquiry, which is visible to that person and others, and which may affect that person’s credit score, only appears on the person’s credit report if and when a loan is issued to the person. Credit eligibility is not guaranteed. APR and other credit terms depend upon credit score and other key financing characteristics, including but not limited to the amount financed, loan term length, and credit usage and history.  

Unless otherwise specified, all credit and deposit products are provided by LendingClub Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (“LendingClub Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LendingClub Corporation, NMLS ID 167439. Credit products are subject to credit approval and may be subject to sufficient investor commitment. ​Deposit accounts are subject to approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured.

“LendingClub” and the “LC” symbol are trademarks of LendingClub Bank.

© 2024 LendingClub Bank. All rights reserved.