If October had a sound, it would probably be the alarm clock ringing to remind you that the year is almost over. Three quarters gone, one left to go. Welcome to Q4: the season of weddings,
travel plans, Christmas shopping, and January school fees lurking around the corner. It’s also the perfect time to check in on something most of us avoid until it’s too late: the health of our money.
Think of it like a financial medical check-up. The same way doctors catch issues early, looking closely at your finances now can save you from big headaches in December and its aftermath.
Step 1: Take Your Financial Vital Signs
Start by asking the basics:
How much do you currently have in savings?
Do you know where most of your money went in the last three months?
Are you still on track with the goals you set in January?
If your answers make you sigh, don’t panic. The idea is to catch the warning signs early, not to shame yourself.
Step 2: Strengthen Your Immune System. Savings
In Q4, temptations are everywhere: aso ebi, “let’s hang out,” and endless end-of-year sales. This is the time to beef up your savings, not drain them. Automating deposits into a target account like the Sterling Recurring Deposit Account can help. Even small amounts add up and give you a buffer when January rolls in with its bills.
Step 3: Cut Out Financial Junk Food
Every health check includes advice on diet, and your money isn’t different. Scan your expenses for the “junk food” items: impulse online shopping, subscriptions you don’t use, or the habit of saying “yes” to every social plan. Cutting back on these frees up cash for things that really matter.
Step 4: Check for Growth. Investments
Savings are good, but growth is better. If you haven’t already, Q4 is a good time to explore low-risk investments that can outpace inflation. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be intentional. Think of it as your financial exercise routine; without it, your money stays unfit.
Step 5: Prepare for Emergencies
A proper health check looks for hidden risks. For your money, that means making sure you have something set aside for emergencies. A car repair, health bill, or job hiccup is less scary when you’ve got a cushion.
The Final Diagnosis
Q4 isn’t just about wrapping up the year: it’s about setting yourself up for a stronger start in the next one. Do the check-up now, adjust where needed, and by the time December parties roll in, you’ll have peace of mind that your money is as healthy as it should be.
After all, nobody wants to start January broke and looking for financial “paracetamol.”
