Annual financial checkup
8 calculators to run at the start of every year
Most financial decisions are made once and forgotten. This checkup takes about 30 minutes and makes sure your numbers still reflect your actual life — new income, new goals, new tax brackets, and changing debt levels.
Not on a W-2 or don't have an HSA? Skip steps that don't apply. Your progress is saved in this browser — bookmark this page and come back to finish if you need to.
Paycheck and HSA calculators show the IRS tax year active in each tool's results panel. If a step uses tables from the prior year, treat outputs as estimates and confirm current limits on IRS.gov before making decisions.
When to run this checkup
Run through the checklist once a year — often in January after W-2s arrive — or whenever your financial picture shifts. A new salary, higher rent, paid-off loan, or open-enrollment change is enough reason to refresh your numbers before the next big decision.
Each step opens a full calculator where you can save scenarios in this browser. Mark steps complete here as you go so you can pick up later without losing your place.
0 of 8 complete
Steps you skip can be checked off without opening the calculator.
Checklist steps
Step 1 of 8
Update your take-home pay
Tax brackets and withholding change each year. Enter your current gross pay and confirm your actual net paycheck.
Open paycheck calculator →Step 2 of 8
Rebalance your budget
Income and fixed costs shift. Check whether your 50/30/20 spending splits still reflect how you actually live.
Open budget calculator →Step 3 of 8
Check your emergency fund target
If your essential expenses changed, your target changes too. Make sure your coverage months still make sense.
Open emergency fund calculator →Step 4 of 8
Review your debt-to-income ratio
Monthly debt payments and income both move over time. Recalculate your DTI before any major borrowing decision.
Open DTI calculator →Step 5 of 8
Update your net worth snapshot
Assets and liabilities change every year. A quick net worth check shows whether you're building wealth or drifting sideways.
Open net worth calculator →Step 6 of 8
Update your retirement timeline
Enter your current balance and contribution rate to see whether your projected retirement date is still on track.
Open retirement projection →Step 7 of 8
Review your 401(k) match and contributions
Contribution limits and match formulas change most years. Confirm you're at least getting your employer's full match, then decide whether to raise your deferral rate.
Open 401(k) calculator →Step 8 of 8
Plan your HSA contributions
HSA limits change annually. See whether your planned contributions align with annual IRS limits for your coverage type.
Open HSA calculator →
Frequently asked questions
How long does the annual financial checkup take?
Most people finish in about 30 minutes if they run all eight calculators. You can complete one step at a time — progress is saved in your browser.
When should I run this checkup?
January is a natural time after W-2s and new tax brackets, but any life change — a raise, new job, move, marriage, or open enrollment — is a good reason to rerun it.
Do I need every step?
No. Skip steps that do not apply — for example, HSA if you are not on a high-deductible health plan, or 401(k) if you do not have employer coverage.
Is this financial advice?
No. This page links to independent calculators. Results are estimates only and are not a substitute for personalized advice from a qualified professional.