Originally published as an interview on KARE 11 News by CeCe Gaines. This version was edited and repurposed by Sunrise Banks. Original interview available here: Sunrise Banks shares financial planning advice. Off Site Link

Key Takeaways:

• Do a mid-year financial check-in to make sure you’re on track with your financial goals
• Check your bank accounts, loans, investments, financial plans and your credit
• Small steps may not feel like big progress, but they’ll add up over time

In an interview with KARE 11 News Off Site Link, Chief Credit Officer Todd Sharkey spoke about the biggest mistakes people can make when trying to reach their financial goals. Nothing puts you more at risk than being unaware of where your finances stand because you didn’t check in.

The good news is, the midpoint of the year is a great time to look at bank accounts, loan statements, investments and any financial plans you have.

After looking at the overall picture, Sharkey recommends digging into statements to see where you may have gotten off track.

“Look for small expenses that add up over time,” Sharkey told KARE 11. “One of the biggest culprits is subscription services. You sign up for one, then another, and before long, you’re paying for several that you barely use. It’s easy to put off canceling them, but those monthly charges can add up significantly. That money could be redirected toward your financial goals instead.”

Carve out the time to make your finances a priority and write things down to make it easier to keep track of it all.

In addition to checking your own accounts, you should also be checking your credit score and reports. Free reports are available annually through AnnualCreditReport.com Off Site Link.

“Even if you’re not planning a major purchase, your credit can affect things like insurance rates and even employment opportunities,” Sharkey told CeCe Gaines Off Site Link and the KARE 11 audience. “Reviewing your credit report also helps you catch potential fraud or unfamiliar accounts before they become bigger problems.”

Overall, it’s about taking small steps that will lead to big changes over time.

“Cancel a subscription that’s only costing you a few dollars each month, then you redirect that money toward savings or paying down debt,” Sharkey told KARE 11. “Those small actions create momentum, and over time, they build into bigger progress.”

“Continue checking in on your goals, and you’ll start to see those small changes adding up,” he says. “Building good financial habits works the same way—you start small, stay consistent, and the results grow over time.”

Tools from Sunrise Banks

All Sunrise Banks customers are eligible for six free LSS financial wellness coaching sessions through Lutheran Social Services. Connect with a banker to schedule your mid-year check-in at https://sunrisebanks.com/personal-banking/financial-choice/.

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