Starting the Year Strong: Three Things to Do Now if You Want a Brighter Financial Future

It’s that time of year when you can reflect on the 12 months that passed and begin to look forward to the 12 ahead. For many people, reminiscing and planning involves finances – how they are now, how they could be better, and what needs to be done to achieve any goals.

If you are hoping to have a brighter financial future in 2016, here are a few things you can begin doing now to ensure all goes as planned in the coming year.

Keep Holiday Spending under Control

One of the best and smartest things you can do now to get your year off on the right foot financially is to avoid going overboard with holiday spending. It’s tempting to buy gifts and other seasonal items in an effort to create a magical holiday season, especially when there are so many discounts and special sales. Unfortunately, even discounted items add up and many people find themselves in a financial hole after the holiday season.

Your best bet when it comes to holiday spending? Set a budget and stick to it!

Plan for Tax Season

Tax season is just around the corner, and the more you do now in preparation the better things will be when April 15th arrives. If you are hoping to find a few last minute saving opportunities for taxes, speak to a financial professional about what you can do last minute. Now is also a good time to think about making adjustments to your deductions to create the ideal scenario when it comes to owing tax money or receiving a refund.

For more tips on year-end tax preparation, check out this article from Money Crashers.

Speak with a Bankruptcy Attorney

What if your financial situation is dire and you really need a fresh start in 2016? Now is the time to think about whether bankruptcy is a viable option for you. If you struggled over the last year and you really want this struggle to end, bankruptcy can help you wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start going forward.

If you would like to know more about bankruptcy or you have other questions about how you can improve your financial outlook in the coming year, we can help. Contact the law office of Frank J. LaPerch, PC at 845.942.5500 to schedule a consultation. And of course, have a safe and happy holiday season!

Frank LaPerch

Admitted: New York and New Jersey State Bar; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.

Experience: Frank J. LaPerch graduated from the Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1998. During law school, he interned for the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Upon admission, Frank focused his private practice in the following areas: Bankruptcy, Family Law, Real Estate and Criminal Law.

Frank is an active member of the Family and Criminal Law Assigned Counsel program of the Rockland County Bar Association. He has also taught several paralegal courses for the Washington Online Legal Institute (WOLI). Frank is also a former Acting Justice for the Village of Suffern in Rockland County, New York. In his judicial capacity, he has presided over misdemeanor criminal matters, vehicle and traffic cases, felony arraignments, small claims and civil cases.

Education: Quinnipiac School of Law, J.D. 1998; Marist College, B.A. 1995.