It’s time for a mid-year financial check-up

We usually think of money management as a daily thing, but it benefits from regular, formal tune-ups. If that sort of thing isn’t already part of your routine, the mid-year mark is the perfect time to take stock, recalibrate, and make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

Here’s a mid-year financial wellness checklist to help you do exactly that.

If you have student loans, take stock of your situation. The student loan system is in a state of chaos; both repayments and collections have resumed, but not if you’re one of the 8 million borrowers enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan, which remains in forbearance until at least September due to political uncertainty. But overall, it’s best to assume that forgiveness options will be out the window under this new administration, and that your monthly payment will likely be much higher than what was once promised under the revised repayment programs. So, in terms of your finances, hope for the best, but budget for the worst.

Hunt for tax-optimization strategies ahead of time, and stay up to date on potential tax code changes. Many filers will wait until year’s end to begin considering ways to lower their tax liability — don’t make that mistake. The earlier you start identifying and enacting moves to improve your tax efficiency, the better prepared you’ll be for tax time, and likely with a lower bill, too. This preparedness goes hand-in-hand with anticipating tax code changes that might affect you as well, and how you might best optimize your tax planning as a result. For now, that means keeping an eye on the Trump admin’s “big, beautiful bill,” which contains a lot of proposed tax code revisions. 

Review and recalibrate your investments. If you don’t actively trade, you likely fall into the “set it and forget it” category of investors who don’t meticulously manage their portfolio. This is a great long-term strategy, but your investments still deserve some attention.  Your allocations inevitably get a bit out of whack over time as the market ebbs and flows, and with 2025 being a year of extreme volatility so far, it’s a good idea to see where they stand. 

Reassess your budget and financial goals. The halfway point of the year is a great time to reevaluate what’s working — and what isn’t — in your day-to-day finances. Maybe your expenses have crept up, or your savings rate has dipped. Maybe your goals have shifted entirely. Regardless, now’s the time to pause and realign. That could mean adjusting your monthly spending, refocusing on debt payoff, or setting a new savings target. If you’re using Origin, our AI Budget Builder can help speed this process up by identifying where your money’s going and offering tailored suggestions to stay on track. Even small changes now can mean a stronger finish come year-end.

Revisit your employment perks. It's an opportune moment to assess your job's benefits, whether to see if you've missed anything or in preparation for the renewal period. If, for instance, you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), make sure to maximize your contributions to a health savings account (HSA). You might also be entitled to other perks like group life assurance, mental well-being resources, or wellness allowances. Review your credit report. Your credit score and overall profile greatly influence the rates you get for important financing like mortgages, and also everyday cash items like credit cards, so it’s wise to check its status on a regular basis.