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

01 Nov
Financial Planning

Rebalance your portfolio

Time to complete: 60 min

Difficulty: Medium

Adjust your mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments to match your goals.

What you will need

  • Investment account statements
  • Target asset allocation plan
  • Calculator or investment app

Steps to follow

  1. Check your current investment mix (stocks, bonds, cash, etc.).
  2. Compare it to your target allocation.
  3. Sell or buy assets as needed to return to your target.
  4. Review mutual funds or retirement accounts for similar adjustments.

Benefits

Maintain your risk level

Keeps your portfolio consistent with your goals.

Lock in gains

Selling appreciated assets helps capture profits.

Stay disciplined

Avoids emotional investing during market highs and lows.

31 Oct
Saving

Open a savings account or top-up an existing one

Time to complete: 35 min

Difficulty: Easy

Start or add to a savings account to strengthen your financial safety net.

What you will need

  • Personal ID
  • Bank or credit union options
  • Minimum deposit (if required)

Steps to follow

  1. Compare savings account options at banks or credit unions.
  2. Choose an account with no fees and a good interest rate.
  3. Open the account online or in person.
  4. Deposit an initial amount, even if it's small.
  5. Set up automatic contributions to grow steadily.

Benefits

Grow savings

Even $50/month builds $600/year.

Avoid mixing funds

Separates savings from everyday spending.

Boost security

More cash on hand for emergencies.

30 Oct
Saving

Maximize the earnings on your cash

Time to complete: 45 min

Difficulty: Medium

Move cash into high-yield accounts to earn more interest.

What you will need

  • Current bank statements
  • Rate comparison websites (e.g., Bankrate.com)
  • Loan statements (especially adjustable-rate loans)
  • Online banking access

Steps to follow

  1. Check the interest rate your current bank pays on savings.
  2. Compare it with online banks and credit unions using Bankrate.com.
  3. Open a new account if you find a higher rate, and transfer your balance.
  4. If you hold adjustable-rate loans, review their current and projected rates.
  5. Decide whether using extra cash to pay down those loans saves more than interest earned.

Benefits

Earn more interest

Moving $100,000 from 0.5% to 1% earns an extra $500 per year.

Save on loan costs

Paying down adjustable-rate loans reduces rising interest expenses.

Make money work harder

Shifting idle cash improves returns with little effort.

29 Oct
Spending

Check credit card statements for any unfamiliar charges

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

Review monthly credit card statements to catch errors or fraud.

What you will need

  • Latest card statements (online or mailed)
  • Bank app or website
  • Spreadsheet or notes

Steps to follow

  1. Download or open your monthly statement.
  2. Scan all transactions for names you don’t recognize.
  3. Verify recurring subscriptions and amounts.
  4. Flag any charges that seem incorrect.
  5. Call your issuer immediately to dispute.

Benefits

Prevent fraud losses

Catching charges quickly avoids $100s in disputes.

Save on errors

Billing mistakes can cost $20–$200 if unchecked.

Protect credit score

Timely disputes keep accounts accurate.

28 Oct
Spending

Block future credit card charges

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

Freeze or block cards you no longer want to use to avoid future charges.

What you will need

  • Credit card login or mobile app
  • Account numbers
  • Contact information for card issuers

Steps to follow

  1. Log in to your credit card app or website.
  2. Select the option to freeze or block the card.
  3. Cancel any recurring charges linked to the card.
  4. Contact customer service if needed to confirm.
  5. Monitor your account for attempted charges.

Benefits

Prevent fraud

Blocks unauthorized use quickly.

Stop subscription leaks

Avoids $10–$50/month in forgotten charges.

Control spending

Limits temptation to overspend.

27 Oct
Insurance

Conduct an insurance review

Time to complete: 60 min

Difficulty: Medium

Review your insurance policies to ensure coverage matches your needs.

What you will need

  • Current policy documents (auto, home, life, health)
  • Quotes from alternative providers
  • Calculator for premiums vs. coverage

Steps to follow

  1. Collect all current policy documents.
  2. Note coverage amounts, exclusions, and premiums.
  3. Check for life changes (new home, children, marriage) that affect needs.
  4. Get quotes from at least two other providers.
  5. Adjust coverage or switch if savings and protection improve.

Benefits

Avoid overpaying

Switching providers can save $200–$500/year.

Fill coverage gaps

Prevents costly out-of-pocket claims.

Peace of mind

Confidence that policies match your current life stage.

26 Oct
Financial Planning

Calculate your net worth

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Easy

Add up your assets and subtract your debts to see your net worth.

What you will need

  • List of assets (bank balances, investments, property value)
  • List of liabilities (loans, credit card balances, mortgage)
  • Calculator or spreadsheet

Steps to follow

  1. List all assets with current balances or values.
  2. Record all debts and outstanding balances.
  3. Subtract liabilities from assets.
  4. Enter the number in a spreadsheet or app to keep track.

Benefits

Clear picture

Understand exactly where you stand financially.

Track progress

See improvement as debts fall and savings grow.

Set goals

Use net worth as a benchmark for financial planning.

25 Oct
Budgeting

Use a budgeting app to track progress

Time to complete: 40 min

Difficulty: Easy

Download and use a budgeting app to monitor your spending and saving.

What you will need

  • Smartphone or computer
  • Budgeting app
  • Bank login credentials

Steps to follow

  1. Download a budgeting app of your choice.
  2. Connect it securely to your bank accounts and credit cards.
  3. Set up budget categories for housing, food, transport, and savings.
  4. Review spending reports weekly.
  5. Adjust categories if you overspend.
  6. Track progress toward savings or debt goals.

Benefits

Control spending

Identifies leaks and helps cut $100+ monthly.

Reach goals faster

Keeps you on track for saving and debt payoff.

Reduce stress

Gives a clear picture of your finances.

24 Oct
Financial Planning

Create your will

Time to complete: 120 min

Difficulty: Medium

Draft a will to decide how your assets will be distributed.

What you will need

  • List of assets and debts
  • Names of beneficiaries and executor
  • Will template or attorney services

Steps to follow

  1. Make a list of all assets (bank accounts, property, valuables).
  2. Choose beneficiaries and backup beneficiaries.
  3. Select an executor to manage the estate.
  4. Write the will using a template or attorney.
  5. Sign in front of witnesses as required by law.
  6. Store the will safely and tell your executor where it is.

Benefits

Avoid probate costs

A will can save heirs $1,000–$5,000 in fees.

Protect family

Prevents disputes and confusion.

Peace of mind

Ensures assets are distributed as you wish.

Home

01 Nov
Home Renovation

Recaulk bath or shower

Time to complete: 60 min

Difficulty: Medium

Remove failing caulk and apply a fresh, waterproof bead to stop leaks and mold.

What you will need

  • Caulk remover or utility knife
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Painter’s tape
  • Bathroom-grade silicone/paintable caulk
  • Caulk gun
  • Paper towels

Steps to follow

  1. Cut and remove old caulk and clean the joint with alcohol to dry.
  2. Tape both sides of the joint for a crisp line.
  3. Run a steady caulk bead along the seam at a slight angle.
  4. Tool the bead smoothly with a damp finger or tool to seal gaps.
  5. Remove tape and let cure per label before using the shower or tub.

Benefits

Stop water damage

Sealed seams avoid repairs of $500–$2,000.

Reduce mold costs

Fresh caulk limits remediation needs ($200–$500).

Delay retiling

Good seals extend shower life ($1,000+).

01 Nov
Interior Decoration

Unpack holiday decorations, throw out any broken ones and check that the lights are working

Time to complete: 45 min

Difficulty: Easy

Unpack and sort holiday decorations, discard broken items, and test all lights before decorating.

What you will need

  • Extension cord and spare bulbs/fuses
  • Storage bins, labels, and trash bags
  • Microfiber cloths

Steps to follow

  1. Lay everything out on a table or floor so you can see what you have.
  2. Inspect ornaments and décor and toss anything cracked, or broken.
  3. Plug in each light string and replace bad bulbs/fuses or retire the set if cords are damaged.
  4. Wipe dust from décor and coil cords neatly to avoid tangles.

Benefits

Prevent hazards

Retiring damaged lights avoids fire risks and costly losses ($5,000+).

Avoid re-buys

Getting rid of old pieces and labeling reduces duplicate purchases ($20–$100).

Save setup time

Pre-tested lights cut installation time (fewer ladder trips).

31 Oct
Consumer Electronics

Inspect cables and cords for wear, cracks, or exposed wires; replace if necessary

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check power and charging cords for damage and replace unsafe ones to prevent shorts and fires.

What you will need

  • Flashlight
  • Cable ties/Velcro straps
  • Replacement certified cables (UL/ETL, MFi/USB-IF where applicable)

Steps to follow

  1. Unplug cords and lay them out so you can check the full length.
  2. Inspect plugs, strain reliefs, and jackets for splits, kinks, burn marks, or exposed wire.
  3. Discard and replace any damaged cords with certified equivalents of the right rating.
  4. Re-route cables away from heat, sharp edges, and pinch points to prevent future wear.
  5. Bundle excess length with Velcro straps and label important chargers for easy identification.

Benefits

Prevent device damage

Bad cords can fry ports, avoiding $100–$400 in repairs.

Reduce fire risk

Replacing compromised cables helps avoid costly emergencies.

Save on replacements

Proper routing and strain relief extend cable life ($20–$60 saved over a year).

30 Oct
Home Renovation

Test garage door auto-reverse feature

Time to complete: 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check your garage door’s auto-reverse safety feature to protect people, pets, and vehicles.

What you will need

  • Sturdy object (e.g. block of wood)
  • Garage door remote

Steps to follow

  1. Place a solid object under the open garage door.
  2. Press the remote to close the door and watch the movement.
  3. Confirm the door stops and reverses when it touches the object.
  4. Test the photo sensors by waving your foot or hand through the beam as it closes.
  5. Call a technician if the system fails to reverse or sensors don’t respond.

Benefits

Prevent injuries

Stops accidents that could lead to medical costs.

Avoid vehicle damage

A working safety feature saves $500–$2,000 in repairs.

Stay compliant

Keeps door systems up to safety code, reducing liability.

29 Oct
Electrical Appliance

Test and inspect indoor heating system

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check your heating system before the cold weather arrives to ensure it’s safe and efficient.

What you will need

  • New furnace filter (correct size)
  • Vacuum with brush attachment
  • Flashlight

Steps to follow

  1. Switch your thermostat to Heat and run the system for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Listen for unusual noises like rattles or squeals.
  3. Check vents for strong, warm airflow in each room.
  4. Replace the furnace filter to keep air moving freely.
  5. Call a technician if you smell gas, hear loud noises, or get no heat.

Benefits

Avoid repair bills

Catching issues early prevents emergencies ($150–$400).

Lower heating costs

Clean filters and vents save $50–$150 annually.

Extend system life

Prevents overwork, delaying replacement ($3,000–$8,000).

28 Oct
Electrical Appliance

Vacuum lint from the dryer vent

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Medium

Clear lint from your dryer vent to prevent fires and improve efficiency.

What you will need

  • Vacuum with hose attachment
  • Dryer vent brush or kit
  • Screwdriver

Steps to follow

  1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
  2. Detach the vent hose from the back of the dryer.
  3. Vacuum inside the hose and wall vent to remove lint buildup.
  4. Use a vent brush to reach deeper into the duct.
  5. Reconnect the hose securely and test the dryer.

Benefits

Prevent fire damage

Reduces fire risk and potential losses ($10,000+).

Lower energy bills

Improves efficiency, saving $20–$50 annually.

Extend dryer life

Prevents overheating that can cause breakdowns ($300–$700).

27 Oct
Electrical Appliance

Adjust your programmable thermostat or consider installing one

Time to complete: 45 min

Difficulty: Medium

Update your thermostat settings—or install a programmable model—to save energy and money.

What you will need

  • Programmable thermostat (if upgrading)
  • Screwdriver and drill (for installation)
  • Owner’s manual or app

Steps to follow

  1. Review your thermostat settings and adjust for your fall/winter schedule.
  2. Lower temps by 7ºF–10°F overnight or while away for energy savings.
  3. If upgrading, turn off power and remove the old thermostat.
  4. Install the new programmable unit following the manual.
  5. Test the system to confirm it runs on the new schedule.

Benefits

Cut energy bills

Adjusting temps can save $180 annually on heating/cooling.

Increase efficiency

Reduces strain on HVAC equipment, delaying repairs.

Boost home value

Smart thermostats add modern appeal.

26 Oct
Consumer Electronics

Wipe down remote controls, keyboards, and TV remotes

Time to complete: 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

Disinfect and clean remotes and keyboards to reduce germs and keep buttons working smoothly.

What you will need

  • 70% isopropyl alcohol or electronics wipes
  • Microfiber cloths and cotton swabs
  • Compressed air (optional)

Steps to follow

  1. Power off or remove batteries from remotes and keyboards before cleaning.
  2. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with alcohol and wipe all surfaces and buttons.
  3. Use cotton swabs around creases and keys to lift grime from tight spots.
  4. Blow debris from between keys with compressed air if needed.
  5. Let everything dry fully and then reinstall batteries or power back on.

Benefits

Avoid replacements

Clean inputs last longer, saving $20–$100 per device.

Prevent repair calls

Fewer stuck keys and misfires reduce service needs ($50–$150).

Cut sick-day costs

Fewer shared-surface germs can reduce minor illness expenses.

25 Oct
Electrical Appliance

Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter of buildup

Time to complete: 40 min

Difficulty: Medium

Scrub your range hood and clean the filter to reduce grease buildup and fire risk.

What you will need

  • Degreasing cleaner
  • Warm, soapy water
  • Sponge or scrub brush
  • Replacement filter (if needed)

Steps to follow

  1. Turn off the hood fan and unplug if possible.
  2. Remove the filter and soak in warm, soapy water.
  3. Spray the hood interior and exterior with degreaser.
  4. Scrub away grease buildup with a sponge or brush.
  5. Rinse and dry the filter, reinstall it, or replace with a new one.

Benefits

Avoid fire hazards

Reduces grease buildup that can ignite ($5,000+ fire damage).

Save on energy bills

Clean filters improve airflow, lowering costs ($25–$75 annually).

Extend appliance life

Keeps fan motor from overworking, delaying replacements ($300–$600).