Planning Thanksgiving dinner. Coordinating holiday details with relatives across the country. Preparing for our end-of-year review at work. Finding precious time with our kids at home.
Yeah, you could say we’re busy.
At the beginning of every month, we will bring you the top to-dos to streamline your financial life. We’ve thought through everything you need to do … so you don’t have to. Complete these tasks by the suggested deadlines, and you’ll be ready to move on to what really matters.
Check these off your list:
Schedule All Your Child’s Doctor Appointments. Deadline: Wednesday, November 2
Many health plans provide for a certain number of doctor visits and checkups per year. Figure out which appointments will be covered for your child by your policy every year, and schedule them now so you can get in before the end of the year.
If your open enrollment period hasn’t passed yet, make sure you’re currently on the very best health insurance plan for your family’s needs. Here’s how.
Reassess Your Budget. Deadline: Monday, November 7
If you haven’t already planned out your holiday gift budget, now’s the time to catch up. (Here’s the new gift list technique we’re following this year, and part one of our gift guide for kids.)
When budgeting for gifts for lots of people, the most crucial information will be how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and how much you can afford to spend on presents. Track this info through LearnVest’s My Money Center, where you can also adjust your budget if you’re planning any life changes in the near future, like having another a baby.
Choose a Guardian. Deadline: Wednesday, November 9
Over the holidays, we reunite with friends and family that we might not normally see during the year. If you were no longer able to take care of your child, and didn’t have a guardian picked out, a judge would swoop in and choose someone. In most cases the court would first try finding the closest living relative ... which could be your 80-year-old great-aunt, or your third cousin twice removed. Use holiday reunions as a chance to think about who you would most trust to raise your child in your absence. Here's a guide to choosing a guardian, and here's a tip sheet on how to ask the person you've chosen.
Talk to Kids About Charity. Deadline: Thursday, November 17
Start by deciding how much you plan to give to charity this year, and where you plan to give it. After you’ve decided, talk to your kids about why you chose the organizations and causes you did. Focus not on the amount but on why it’s important to help others. Ask older kids what causes they care about and get the family involved by planning a day of volunteering.
Note: Whenever you make a donation of money or items like clothing, remember to keep a record so you don’t miss out on a tax deduction next April. (What you need to know about charitable tax deductions.)
Practice Thanks as a Family. Deadline: Thursday, November 24
Let kids in on the concept of financial gratitude. Sit down as a family to talk about what each one of you is thankful for, and emphasize the fact that some of the things you’re most thankful for go beyond material objects. Ask kids what they’re most thankful for, and, depending on how old they are, consider having them draw pictures to illustrate these things. As for you? Share what you’re thankful for about your finances in the Confessions & Triumphs section of our community forums, LV Discussions.
WHAT TO BUY IN NOVEMBER
What To Buy When
 Winter Boots, Clothing and Coats:Get in on winter sales now for the best selection |  Suits:Around the new year, stores discount their fall suits |  Perfume:A popular holiday gift, perfume is often on sale after the season |  Home Furnishings:Retailers are making room for new inventory |
 Calendars:Just after the new year, prices are drastically reduced |  Carpets and Flooring:Many people spruce up their homes during the holidays, so prices plummet afterwards |  Big Appliances:Stock not sold during the holiday rush is now heavily discounted |  Linens and Bedding:Ever-popular "white sales" make January the best month for these items |
 Holiday Supplies:If you're willing and able to store cards and wrapping paper for a year, you can find them now for up to 80% off |  Office Furniture:Retailers cater to home businesses starting around the new year |  Video Games:New games are released for the holidays, but you can get them marked down afterwards |
 Winter Boots, Clothing and Coats:The selection is sparser, but the sales are steeper |  Perfume:Score a deal after Valentine’s Day |  Homes:Bad weather keeps buyers at bay, so competition is weak, and sellers are eager |
 Home Renovations:You’ll pay less and get more attention from contractors, because few people renovate so early in the year |  Bicycles:Retailers mark down older models to make room for new inventory in February and March |  Cameras:New models come out in January and February, so buy last year’s version at a discount |
 Home Entertainment Systems:The best TV and home theater sales come just before the Super Bowl |  Video Games:New games are released for the holidays, so you can get them marked down after the rush |  Chocolates and Candy:Buy after Valentine’s Day, of course |
 Sweaters and Cashmere:Prices can be reduced by as much as 25% to 40% from the end of March through April |  China and Flatware:Get in on inventory left over from the holidays |  Air Conditioners:Don’t wait for the weather to get hot; demand is low now, as are prices |
 Gas Grills:As with air conditioners, demand and prices are low |  Gardening Tools:Rakes, hoes, shovels and other gardening implements are as much as 50% off |  Frozen Food:It’s National Frozen Food Month, so supermarkets celebrate with sales |
 Sweaters and Cashmere:Stock up now on next winter's sweaters with steep sales |  Sneakers:In spring, stores entice warm-weather runners with sales |  Vacuum Cleaners:Retailers slash prices now to make room for new models in June |
 Snow Blowers:Come April, demand is low, so scoop up one for next year |  Office Furniture:Retailers cater to home businesses starting after tax season |  Cruises:This is the season for repositioning cruises, which have fewer ports of call but are cheaper and of great value |
 Electronics:After the Japanese fiscal year closes at the end of March, retailers make room for new models of Japanese electronics |
 Sweaters and Cashmere:Prices can be reduced by as much as 25% to 40% |  Vacuum Cleaners:Retailers slash prices now to make room for new models in June |  Cookware:Graduation and wedding promotions mean you should buy pots and pans now |  Refrigerators:New fridges come out during the summer, so stores are clearing space; negotiate a deal |
 Big Appliances:Stock not sold during the holiday rush is now heavily discounted |  Patio Furniture:Warm weather means newer models, so buy last season’s styles now |  Grilling Supplies:Get charcoal and lighter fluid before summer kicks into high gear and prices go up |  Small Kitchen Appliances:Get your mixers and blenders now, when there are sales for wedding and graduation season |
 Party Supplies:Whether or not you’re throwing a graduation party, stock up on disposable plates, cups, etc. |  Electronics:After the Japanese fiscal year closes at the end of March, retailers make room for new models of Japanese electronics |  Mattresses and Box Springs:Stores want to make room for new models, so negotiate a good deal now |
 Men’s Suits:Father’s Day sales mean low prices |  Tools:Father’s Day strikes again |  Cookware:It’s not only wedding bells that are ringing—registers are ringing with sales of pots and pans |
 Paint:When it’s hot out, no one feels like painting … which is why it’s cheap at this time of year |  Butter:Butter production is at its best in June and July, so prices are accordingly low; freeze for up to six months to make it last |  Champagne and Sparkling Wine:There are usually deals for bubbly during the holidays and before June weddings |
 Gym Memberships:The outdoors beckon, so gyms are offering deals |
 Suits:Get a spring suit—in the middle of summer |  Furniture:Retailers are clearing space to make room for new inventory |  Big Appliances:Take advantage of Independence Day sales |
 Paint:When it’s hot out, no one feels like painting … which is why it’s cheap at this time of year |  Butter:Butter production is at its best in June and July, so prices are accordingly low; freeze for up to six months to make it last | |
 Flip-flops:Ever-useful flip-flops are harder to find later in the year; buy them now when retailers still have them in stock and they’re on sale |  School Supplies:Back-to-school sales! |  Trees, Shrubs, Plants:Nab end-of-summer deals late in the month, and store your plants according to instructions until next spring. Alternatively, buy bulbs, which you can plant whenever |
 Lawn Mowers and Swing Sets:Stores discount these summer items now to make room for fall products |  Computers:Capitalize on back-to-school sales |  MP3 Players:Stores want to get rid of old models before October when new styles come out and the holiday rush begins |
 China and Flatware:Get in on the inventory left over from wedding season |  Wine:The harvest is coming in, so you can find eclectic wines from smaller wineries early in the season |  Computers:Upgrade yours during back-to-school sales |
 Jeans:The remainders from back-to-school season are now available inexpensively for kids and adults |  MP3 Players:Stores want to get rid of old models before October, when new styles come out and the holiday rush begins |  Cars:Next year’s models have arrived, so dealers want to sell the current year’s leftovers, giving you negotiating leverage |
 Holiday Airfare:It’s about eight weeks before Thanksgiving, so make travel plans before flights book up and prices skyrocket |
 Jeans:The back-to-school sales continue, with sparser selection but steeper discounts |  Swimsuits:Cash in on swimwear sales now through November |  Big Appliances:Buy last year’s models now; shop during Columbus Day weekend, because stores celebrate even small holidays with sales |
 Air Conditioners:Temperatures are cooling, and so are prices |  Gas Grills:Pick these up now for next summer |  School Supplies:Back-to-school sales! |
 Toys:Retailers lower prices as early as October in order to maximize holiday sales |  Cars:Next year’s models have arrived, so dealers want to sell the current year’s leftovers, giving you negotiating leverage |  Health Insurance:Open enrollment may be your one chance to sign up for insurance for next year |
 Wedding Dresses:Wedding fever is at its lowest pitch now |  Swimsuits:Swimwear is as much as 90% off, but selection is low |  Cookware:Kitchenware becomes cheaper as the holidays approach |
 Christmas Trees:For the best selection, get your tree right after Thanksgiving; it’ll stay good for at least a month, and trees later in the season have been cut weeks earlier anyway |  Frozen Turkeys:Buy one immediately after Thanksgiving, when grocery stores still have a glut |  Toys:Retailers are slashing prices to maximize holiday sales |
 Electronics:Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great deals on everything from TVs to computers |
 Wedding Dresses:The beginning of December is the slow season, so get in before holiday engagements |  Televisions:In the run up to the holidays, stores have big sales on TVs |  Pools:Off-season, you’ll find the cheapest prices, though maybe not the best inventory |
 Small Kitchen Appliances:Get your mixer and blender during holiday sales |  Champagne and Sparkling Wine:Although these are in high demand, prices are also more competitive than usual |  Frozen Meat:Buy this immediately after Christmas, when grocery stores still have a glut |
Print out your full to-do list, so you can check off your to-dos as you complete them.
