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

10 Dec
Taxes

Categorize your home office expenses

Time to complete: 50 min

Difficulty: Medium

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

What you will need

  • Receipts (digital or paper)
  • Spreadsheet or tax software
  • Folder for organizing documents

Steps to follow

  1. Gather all receipts and statements related to your home office from the past year.
  2. Sort them into categories: equipment, utilities, internet, and supplies.
  3. Log each category into a spreadsheet for tax tracking.
  4. Check IRS rules to understand what counts as deductible.

Benefits

Save on taxes

Organized records make deductions easier.

Reduce stress

No last-minute scrambling at tax time.

Improve accuracy

Clear categories prevent missed deductions.

09 Dec
Spending

Check if your utility company offers budget billing

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

See if your utility company offers programs that even out high winter bills.

What you will need

  • Utility account login
  • Recent bills
  • Company’s program descriptions

Steps to follow

  1. Log into your utility provider’s online portal.
  2. Look for “budget billing,” “bill smoothing,” or “averaged billing.”
  3. Review program terms and eligibility.
  4. Enroll if the plan helps even out winter costs.
  5. Monitor your usage to avoid year-end adjustments.

Benefits

Predictable bills

Avoid winter spikes.

Budget-friendly

Spreads expenses across the year.

Reduces stress

No surprise high charges during cold months.

08 Dec
Saving

Maximize your Health Savings Account (HSA)

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check whether you’ve contributed enough to your HSA and take advantage of its triple tax benefits.

What you will need

  • HSA account login
  • List of medical expenses
  • IRS contribution limits

Steps to follow

  1. Log into your HSA and check how much you've contributed this year.
  2. Compare your total to the IRS annual limit.
  3. Add extra funds if you have room before the end of the year.
  4. Save receipts so you can reimburse yourself later if desired.

Benefits

Reduce taxes

Contributions lower taxable income.

Build a medical buffer

Funds can grow year after year.

Flexible use

Spend now or save for future health needs.

07 Dec
Taxes

Do a pro forma tax forecast

Time to complete: 60 min

Difficulty: Medium

Run a pro forma tax estimate to predict your year-end tax situation and make smart adjustments.

What you will need

  • Pay stubs
  • Tax software or an online calculator
  • List of deductions and contributions

Steps to follow

  1. Gather your year-to-date income and deductions.
  2. Enter the numbers into tax software or an IRS estimator.
  3. Review your projected tax bill or refund.
  4. Decide whether to donate, defer expenses, or adjust withholding.

Benefits

Reduce tax surprises

Know what you owe or will get back.

Plan deductions

Make smart moves before year end.

Improve accuracy

Helps you start the new year with clarity.

06 Dec
Spending

Confirm your credit card promotional APRs

Time to complete: 25 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check when your promotional interest rates end so you don’t get surprised by higher charges.

What you will need

  • Credit card statement or online account
  • Calculator
  • Notes app

Steps to follow

  1. Log into your credit card account and find the promotional APR details.
  2. Note the exact expiration date.
  3. Review your current balance and estimate future interest after expiration.
  4. Plan extra payments if the promo ends soon.
  5. Consider a balance transfer card if needed.

Benefits

Avoid surprise interest charges

Know when your rate increases.

Plan ahead

Adjust payments before the promo ends.

Stay in control

Manage debt strategically.

05 Dec
Insurance

Review pet insurance options

Time to complete: 50 min

Difficulty: Medium

Compare pet insurance plans to ensure your pet is covered for accidents, illness, and seasonal risks.

What you will need

  • Current pet insurance policy (if applicable)
  • Comparison sites
  • Vet estimate for annual care costs

Steps to follow

  1. Review what your current policy covers (accidents, illness, dental, prescriptions).
  2. Compare gaps or exclusions to your pet’s breed and age needs.
  3. Get quotes from at least two additional insurers.
  4. Pay attention to deductibles and annual payout limits.
  5. Switch or adjust coverage before the new year if needed.

Benefits

Avoid high vet bills

Insurance reduces big surprise costs.

Customize coverage

Tailor to your pet’s changing health needs.

Improve peace of mind

Know your pet is protected.

04 Dec
Banking

Review whether your bank’s fees will change in January

Time to complete: 35 min

Difficulty: Easy

Check if your bank is changing its fees next year and confirm you're using the best banking option.

What you will need

  • Bank’s annual fee disclosure notice
  • Online comparison sites
  • Checking and savings balances

Steps to follow

  1. Check your bank’s website or recent emails for upcoming fee changes.
  2. Compare those fees to your current usage and balances.
  3. Search online for free or low-fee banking alternatives.
  4. If switching makes sense, open the new account before fees take effect.
  5. Redirect direct deposit and payments gradually to avoid disruptions.

Benefits

Avoid unnecessary fees

Prevent surprise charges in January.

Find better options

Many banks offer no-fee accounts.

Improve savings

Keep more of your money each month.

03 Dec
Insurance

Check winter-specific insurance questions

Time to complete: 45 min

Difficulty: Medium

Review your insurance policies for winter-related risks like frozen pipes or storm damage.

What you will need

  • Homeowners or renters insurance policy
  • Insurer customer support number
  • Notes doc for coverage gaps

Steps to follow

  1. Open your home or renters policy and find the exclusions section.
  2. Look for mentions of frozen pipes, storm damage, and water-related incidents.
  3. Call your insurer to clarify unclear terms or coverage caps.
  4. Make updates or add riders if your area faces harsh winter conditions.

Benefits

Avoid surprise bills

Know what winter damage is actually covered.

Improve protection

Close coverage gaps before weather hits.

Prevent stress

Confidence during cold-weather months.

02 Dec
Budgeting

Analyze where your money went

Time to complete: 60 min

Difficulty: Medium

Review your spending for the first 11 months of the year to see where your money actually went.

What you will need

  • Bank and credit card statements
  • Budgeting spreadsheet or app
  • Calculator

Steps to follow

  1. Download your credit card and bank statements from January through November.
  2. Group expenses into categories such as food, transportation, bills, and entertainment.
  3. Highlight categories that grew over the year or look higher than expected.
  4. Note where you overspent and where you did well.
  5. Use these insights to update your budget for next year.

Benefits

Spot spending leaks

Identify habits that cost more than you realized.

Make better plans

Data helps you adjust next year’s budget.

Feel more in control

Knowing the numbers reduces stress.

Home

10 Dec
Electrical Appliance

Clean out your freezer

Time to complete: 25 min

Difficulty: Easy

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

What you will need

  • Trash bag
  • Marker and labels
  • Microfiber cloth

Steps to follow

  1. Empty one shelf at a time to avoid thawing.
  2. Check each item for excessive ice crystals or damaged packaging.
  3. Discard freezer-burned food safely.
  4. Label and reorganize remaining items by category.
  5. Wipe down shelves before restocking.

Benefits

Reduce food waste

Eliminates spoiled items ($20–$50 saved monthly).

Improve efficiency

Less clutter helps the freezer cool evenly.

Save money

Knowing what you have prevents duplicate purchases.

09 Dec
Interior Decoration

Move cleaning supplies out of pets’ reach

Time to complete: 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

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

What you will need

  • Cabinet locks
  • High shelves or storage bins
  • Labels

Steps to follow

  1. Gather medications and cleaners from low or open areas.
  2. Move them to high cabinets or install child/pet safety locks.
  3. Use labeled bins to keep everything organized.
  4. Secure the cabinet fully before letting pets roam.

Benefits

Avoid emergency vet bills

Prevent ingestion incidents ($200–$1,000).

Protect pets

Reduced risk of toxic exposure.

Improve home safety

Keeps dangerous items away from kids too.

08 Dec
Home Renovation

Clear snow and ice around your entry and pathways

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

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

What you will need

  • Snow shovel
  • Ice melt or sand
  • Gloves

Steps to follow

  1. Shovel fresh snow from walkways and steps.
  2. Spread ice melt or sand to increase traction.
  3. Break up stubborn ice patches with a sturdy shovel.
  4. Recheck later if temperatures drop again.

Benefits

Prevent injuries

Avoid medical bills from slips ($500–$5,000).

Protect surfaces

Less freeze–thaw stress reduces repairs.

Improve accessibility

Safer paths for deliveries and guests

07 Dec
Electrical Appliance

Clean your gas burners

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Medium

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

What you will need

  • Brush or toothpick
  • Mild dish soap
  • Cloth
  • Warm water

Steps to follow

  1. Turn off the stove and remove burner caps.
  2. Brush burner ports gently to remove debris.
  3. Soak caps in soapy water and scrub clean.
  4. Wipe the stovetop and dry all parts.
  5. Reassemble burners and check for a blue flame.

Benefits

Improve efficiency

Stronger flames reduce cooking time.

Prevent CO₂ issues

Clean burners reduce incomplete combustion.

Avoid repairs

Prevent clogged ports that lead to service calls ($100–$200 saved).

06 Dec
Electrical Appliance

Clean your microwave

Time to complete: 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

Clean the inside of your microwave to remove splatters, odors, and bacteria.

What you will need

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Water
  • Vinegar or lemon juice
  • Sponge or cloth

Steps to follow

  1. Place water and vinegar or lemon juice in a bowl and microwave for 3 minutes.
  2. Let steam sit for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Wipe the interior clean with a sponge.
  4. Scrub the turntable and return it.
  5. Wipe the exterior and handle to finish.

Benefits

Avoid appliance wear

Clean interiors heat food more evenly.

Prevent odors

Reduces lingering smells and bacteria.

Avoid replacement

Regular care extends appliance lifespan ($100–$300 saved).

05 Dec
Home Renovation

Clean your bathtub

Time to complete: 20 min

Difficulty: Easy

Scrub your bathtub to remove soap scum, stains, and buildup for a fresher bathroom.

What you will need

  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Soft sponge or scrub brush
  • Microfiber cloth

Steps to follow

  1. Spray cleaner across the bathtub surface.
  2. Scrub in circular motions to lift grime.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  4. Wipe dry to prevent water spots.
  5. Repeat weekly to stay ahead of buildup.

Benefits

Avoid deep-cleaning fees

Saves $100–$200 by maintaining the finish.

Prevent staining

Regular cleaning avoids costly refinishing.

Improve hygiene

Fewer germs reduces illness risk.

04 Dec
Home Renovation

Tighten any loose handles or doorknobs

Time to complete: 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

Tighten loose handles and doorknobs to keep doors secure and prevent wear.

What you will need

  • Screwdriver
  • Allen wrench (if needed)
  • Lubricant spray

Steps to follow

  1. Check all doors for wobbling handles or loose knobs.
  2. Tighten screws or set screws with the proper tool.
  3. Lubricate moving parts if sticking.
  4. Test for smooth turn and latch.

Benefits

Avoid hardware replacement

Loose knobs strip mechanisms ($20–$60 saved).

Prevent door damage

Secure handles reduce cracks and scuffs.

Improve safety

Proper latching keeps rooms secure.

03 Dec
Interior Decoration

Donate clothing your kids have outgrown

Time to complete: 30 min

Difficulty: Easy

Sort and donate outgrown kids’ clothes to free up space and help others.

What you will need

  • Donation bags
  • Laundry basket
  • Labels or sticky notes

Steps to follow

  1. Empty drawers and closets to see everything at once.
  2. Sort by fit and condition and set aside outgrown items.
  3. Bag donations neatly and label them.
  4. Fold and organize remaining clothes by category.
  5. Drop donations off at your preferred charity.

Benefits

Avoid storage overflow

Reduces clutter without extra bins.

Save money

Identifies gaps so you don’t buy duplicates.

Support the community

Donated items help families in need.

02 Dec
Interior Decoration

Set up a paw-washing station near your entry

Time to complete: 10 min

Difficulty: Easy

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

What you will need

  • Small towel or pet-safe wipes
  • Shallow water bowl
  • Mat or tray
  • Treats for cooperation

Steps to follow

  1. Place a mat or tray near your entryway.
  2. Add a shallow bowl of warm water and a towel.
  3. Wipe or dip paws after each walk.
  4. Dry thoroughly before letting pets roam inside.
  5. Reward with a treat to build a routine

Benefits

Reduce floor wear

Less dirt saves on rug and floor cleaning ($50–$150).

Prevent paw irritation

Salt removal avoids vet visits ($50–$300).

Cut cleaning time

Fewer muddy prints means less mopping.