Reminders

Dust your dashboard and clean air vents before turning on your car’s heater for the season.

Inspect your car’s seat belts for fraying or stiffness and confirm they latch securely.

Replace your washer fluid with a winter blend and make sure your sprayers work before freezing temps hit.

Assemble or restock your car emergency kit with cold-weather essentials.

Inspect your wiper blades and swap them if streaking or cracked for safer driving.

Test your car battery to avoid getting stranded with a dead engine.

Test your heater and defroster before cold weather to ensure clear windows and cabin heat.

Inspect and register your child’s car seat to catch defects and receive free recall repairs.

Check oil and coolant levels in your car to prevent overheating and engine damage.

Schedule a quick year-end review with your tax advisor to get ahead of next year’s filing.

Look into affordable protection plans for everyday electronics and small devices.

Review whether converting part of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA makes sense for your tax situation.

Contribute to a 529 plan before year-end to take advantage of available tax benefits in your state.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, but you must keep good records. Tracking receipts ensures you can reimburse yourself months or even years later. Clear, organized receipts help you avoid mistakes and maximize the tax benefits of your HSA.

Turn on credit card alerts so you’re notified instantly when large purchases occur.

Update your W-4 to make sure your tax withholdings are accurate.

Send any out-of-network medical bills or receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Organize and track your home office expenses to prepare for tax season.

Test space heaters to ensure they operate safely during winter.

Clear snow away from all outdoor vents to keep your home safe and appliances working properly.

Declutter unused gifts and consider regifting them thoughtfully.

Inspect your basement for leaks during winter thaws to prevent water damage.

Clear snow from decks and patios to prevent moisture damage and surface rot.

Inspect surge protectors to make sure they’re working before winter storms hit.

Sort your freezer contents and toss freezer-burned food to save space and reduce waste.

Remove snow and ice from your entry and walkways to prevent slips and improve access.

Clean and inspect gas burners to improve safety, reduce CO₂ risks, and boost cooking performance.

Store medications and cleaning products safely to protect pets from accidental ingestion.

Create a simple paw-washing station to keep pets from tracking winter mud and snow indoors.

Inspect fence perimeter for holes, loose boards, and gaps underneath that allow pets to escape the yard.

If you’re hot, your dog’s hotter. It’s National Pet Backyard Safety Day. Let’s sort their shelter. Move the doghouse to a shady spot. Check for airflow to keep them cool—you can cut vents if needed. Add a cooling mat or frozen water bottle inside. Hydration and shade make one happy pup.

Remove dust from console and computer fans to prevent overheating and improve performance.

Make sure outdoor security cameras are aligned and functioning properly after storms.

Back up your phone before holiday trips to protect your photos, contacts, and documents.

Save copies of your most important files and photos to protect them from loss or damage.

Review smart home devices, update firmware, and optimize schedules for comfort, security, and savings.

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

Clean dust from your computer to prevent overheating and hardware damage.