1. Set One Clear Investing Goal for Next Year

Skip resolutions. Pick one thing you’ll follow through on.

Examples:

• Max my IRA contributions by April

• Set up or increase my automated recurring investments

Write it down. Simpler goals get done.

2. You Could get a Bigger Tax Refund with an IRA Contribution

A Traditional IRA can help you get more money back at tax time.

• Contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)

• Lower taxes owed could mean a larger refund

• Even partial contributions can make a difference

This is one of the few moves that rewards you now and in the future.

3. Put Your Investing on Autopilot

Consistency beats perfect timing.

• Set up automatic recurring deposits

• You can set them up to closely align with your paychecks

• Grow your invested amounts over time as your income grows

Sleep better knowing that your investments are automatically taken care of by an App like Beanstox

4. Make Sure Your Money is Actually Invested

Make sure your cash is working for you by keeping it invested. Once you have an emergency fund, consider investing any extra savings.

• Check that your cash is invested

• Move long-term money into your investment portfolio

• Keep in cash only what you need for short-term spending and emergencies

5. Review Your Portfolio

No overthinking, trading or market timing required.

• Confirm your risk level still matches your goals

• Think long-term

• Short-term goals? Avoid unnecessary risk

Stick to your investment game plan through market ups and downs.

Bottom Line

One step could help you get more money back at tax time.

The others help you build momentum that lasts all year.

Set the direction. Automate the rest. Let time do the work.