What Should I Be Doing With My Money in the Second Half of the Year?

Somehow we’re already halfway through the year. The kids are deep into summer mode, your calendar is a blur of travel, cookouts, and catching up, and maybe your finances haven’t exactly been top of mind. That is okay. Life is full, and sometimes money takes a back seat for a bit.

But now is a really good time to pause and ask yourself, “How are things going?”

Not in a pressure-filled way. Just in a gentle, check-in-with-yourself kind of way.

Here are a few questions I like to walk through with clients this time of year to help bring everything into focus again.

1. Am I spending in a way that still feels aligned?

Summer can be sneaky when it comes to spending. Between camps, vacations, eating out more, and keeping everyone entertained, things can start to drift from your usual rhythm.

This is not about guilt. It is about awareness. Ask yourself, is my spending still supporting the life I want? Are there small tweaks I could make that would feel better going into the fall?

2. Are my goals still the same?

Sometimes, what you wanted in January no longer fits in August. Life changes. Priorities shift. Maybe retirement feels more real. Maybe you are thinking more seriously about moving, switching jobs, or helping your kids in a bigger way.

Take a moment to sit with those thoughts. You are allowed to change your mind. Your financial plan should grow and change right alongside you.

3. Do I know what my money is doing?

You do not have to be glued to your accounts or track every penny. But having a clear picture of where your money is going, what your investments are doing, and how your savings is progressing can be really grounding.

If you are not sure where you stand or it has been a while since someone walked through it with you, this might be a great time to check in with your advisor. A simple conversation can bring a lot of clarity.

4. What do I want to feel by the end of the year?

This might be the most important one. Think about how you want to feel on December 31. Do you want to feel more in control? Less overwhelmed? On track with retirement? Less reactive to money stress?

Let that feeling guide your next steps. Whether it is finally opening that IRA, automating savings, or getting help with a budget that actually fits your life, small changes now can make a big impact in a few months.

If you are feeling a little off-track or just want someone to help you sort through where things stand, I am here. You do not need to do it all at once, and you definitely do not need to figure it out alone.

Let’s take a breath, regroup, and create a plan that supports you through the rest of the year and beyond.

Let’s connect