Michigan Internet Marketing Club: October Financial To-Do List

October Financial To-Do List

To be successful at anything in life takes planning and effort, and that’s especially true when it comes to your finances. The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to think about what you can do get your finances in shape for the end of the year. To help you build on the progress you made in September, here is a checklist to help you stay on track and reach your financial goals.

#1: File Your Taxes

If you requested an extension on your 2014 tax return, your day of reckoning is October 15. For tips on preparing and filing your taxes, plus tax filing security tips, see our tax guide.

Although Oct. 15 is the last day for most people to file, some groups still have more time, including members of the military who typically have until at least 180 days after they leave a combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due.

#2: Get a Free Credit Report

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

We suggest you order one credit report from a different major credit bureau each quarter, which allows you to take a peak at your credit files several times a year for free. Besides, the bureaus don’t collect exactly the same information, so getting one from each of them every year gives you a complete picture of your credit history. To order a free report, go to annualcreditreport.com.

#3: Surf Safely

October is cyber-security awareness month. Make sure your electronic devices are adequately protected with a firewall, security software, and strong passwords.

Our guide to Internet security has tips and advice on protecting your online data and avoiding ID theft. See our security software buying guide to find out how to protect your computer. And check out our test of 15 mobile security apps.

#4: Make a Budget for Holiday Gifts

Last year people who were experiencing angst over the holidays told us their top worry was not having enough money to cover expenses. To make sure you stay on budget, set up price alerts at sites like Deal Alerter, Price Grabber, and Price Pinx so you’ll know when items you’re looking for go on sale.

Online shoppers can stay on budget by taking advantage of free shipping offers, many of which are listed at FreeShipping.org. The site also sponsors Free Shipping Day, which is Dec. 18 this year, one of the last opportunities for online shoppers to get free shipping from popular retailers for delivery by Dec. 24. For more tips, check our holiday gift guide.

#5: Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales

Lots of items you can use outdoors before winter arrives are on deep discount this month, including bikes, gas grills, lawn mowers and tractors, patio furniture, and summer sporting goods. Also on sale: Computers, digital cameras, and winter clothes.