Reminders
It’s our mission to help you win every day. Our daily reminders feature helps you remember the things you need to do on the days you need to do it.
Finance
04
Oct
Plan a no-spend activity for the month
Pick one free activity you’ll do this month instead of paid entertainment.
What you will need
- Calendar
- Library app/park map
- List of free local events
Steps to follow
- Choose your free activity (hike, free museum day, potluck, library movie night).
- Put a date/time on your calendar and invite a friend.
- Prep what you need (snacks, water, transit card).
- Silence shopping/food-delivery apps during the event.
- Log the dollars saved afterward.
Benefits
Immediate Savings
Skip a $30–$80 outing monthly = $360–$960/year.
Habit building
Replaces impulse spending with planned fun.
Low Stress
Free options reduce decision fatigue.
03
Oct
Understand your credit card benefits
Identify and activate the money-saving perks already on your cards.
What you will need
- Your credit cards
- Issuer logins/apps
- “Guide to Benefits” PDFs
Steps to follow
- List each card, annual fee, and renewal month.
- Download and read the Guide to Benefits for each card.
- Note key perks, eligibility, claims deadlines, and exclusions.
- Enroll in credits (streaming, rideshare, dining) where required.
- Set calendar reminders to use monthly/quarterly credits.
- Save claim phone numbers and forms in one folder.
- Recheck benefits yearly or when cards change terms.
Benefits
Use it or lose it
Redeeming $10–$25 monthly credits saves $120–$300/year.
Purchase protection
Claims can reimburse $100–$1,000 per incident.
Travel savings
Trip/baggage delay coverage can prevent $50–$600 out-of-pocket.
02
Oct
Protest your property taxes in the fall
Review your assessed value and file a property tax protest before the fall deadline.
What you will need
- Assessment notice
- Recent comparable sales (MLS/Zillow/Redfin)
- Photos of defects/repairs needed
- Repair estimates or contractor quotes
- Appeal form (county website)
Steps to follow
- Find your fall appeal deadline on your county assessor’s site.
- Pull recent comparable sales similar in size, age, and location.
- Photograph issues (roof wear, foundation cracks, old HVAC).
- Gather repair estimates to document condition.
- Complete the appeal form; attach comps and evidence.
- Submit online or in person; get confirmation.
- Attend the hearing (if required) and present calmly.
Benefits
Lower annual taxes
Successful appeals often cut bills by 5–15%, saving $250–$1,500+ per year.
Future savings
Reduced value compounds over years, worth $1,000s.
Cash-flow relief
Smaller escrow payments lower monthly mortgage by $20–$100.
02
Oct
Make sure your beneficiaries still make sense
Review and update beneficiaries on accounts so money goes where you intend.
What you will need
- Account list (401(k), IRA, HSA, life insurance, brokerage)
- Online portal access
- Beneficiary info (legal names, SSNs, contact)
Steps to follow
- List all accounts with beneficiary fields.
- Log in and review current primary/contingent names and percentages.
- Update as needed; consider "per stirpes" if available.
- Save confirmations/PDFs to a secure folder.
- Notify beneficiaries of where to find documents.
- Revisit after major life events.
Benefits
Avoid probate costs
Direct transfer can avoid ~$1,000–$5,000 in fees.
Prevent mistakes
Stops funds going to ex-partners or default heirs.
Faster payouts
Beneficiaries receive funds in weeks, not months.
02
Oct
Set up a savings account for your children or a younger family member
Open a high-yield account (or custodial account) to jump-start their savings.
What you will need
- Child’s full name, DOB, SSN (for custodial)
- Your ID (custodian)
- Bank comparison list (APY, fees)
Steps to follow
- Choose account type: HYSA vs. UTMA/UGMA.
- Compare banks for APY, fees, transfers, and joint/custodial features.
- Open online; fund $25–$100 to start.
- Automate $10–$50/week transfers or gift deposits.
Benefits
Interest adds up
$25/month at ~4% ≈ $306 in 1 year and $3,700+ in 10 years.
Builds habits
Early wins reinforce saving behavior.
Better gifts
Cash gifts grow instead of being spent.
01
Oct
Fill out the FAFSA form
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access college grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.
What you will need
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Federal income tax returns (yours and/or your parents’)
- W-2 forms and records of untaxed income
- Bank statements and investment records
- FAFSA account (FSA ID)
Steps to follow
- Create your FSA ID at studentaid.gov if you don’t already have one. Parents of dependent students also need their own ID.
- Collect your documents, including Social Security number, driver’s license, tax returns, and bank statements.
- Log in to FAFSA.gov and start a new application for the upcoming school year.
- List your schools—you can add up to 20 colleges to receive your FAFSA data.
- Enter your financial details carefully. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when possible to import tax information.
- Sign and submit the FAFSA using your FSA ID. Dependent students must also have a parent sign.
- Save your confirmation page for your records and check your email for updates on your Student Aid Report.
Benefits
Access free aid
Pell Grants and other awards can provide up to $7,395 per year, which never has to be repaid.
Qualify for loans
Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates than private loans, saving $1,000s over time.
Unlock scholarships
Many schools require a FAFSA to award institutional scholarships, worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Home
05
Oct
Change all of your indoor light bulbs that have gone out (upgrade to LED)
Replace burnt-out bulbs with LED alternatives to save money and energy.
What you will need
- Replacement LED bulbs (correct wattage and base size)
- Step stool or ladder
- Cloth or gloves (for handling bulbs)
Steps to follow
- Turn off the light switch and let bulbs cool before touching.
- Unscrew burnt-out bulbs carefully and dispose of them properly.
- Insert LED bulbs of the correct size and wattage into sockets.
- Test each fixture by turning the switch back on.
Benefits
Lower energy bills
LEDs use up to 80% less electricity, saving $50–$150 annually.
Avoid frequent purchases
LEDs last 10–20 years, reducing replacement costs.
Improve lighting quality
Brighter, more consistent light reduces eye strain and increases comfort.
04
Oct
Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues
Inspect your fireplace stove and clean its flue to prevent fire hazards and improve efficiency.
What you will need
- Flashlight
- Stovepipe brush (correct diameter)
- Drop cloth or tarp
- Shop vacuum
- Safety goggles and mask
Steps to follow
- Lay down a tarp to protect the floor around the stove from soot and dust.
- Shine a flashlight into the fireplace and flue to look for heavy soot or creosote buildup.
- Brush the stovepipe and flue interior with the correct-size brush to loosen deposits.
- Vacuum debris from the firebox with a shop vac.
- Inspect the body, door seals, and glass for cracks, leaks, or corrosion and schedule repairs if needed.
Benefits
Prevent fire damage
Cleaning reduces chimney fire risk, avoiding $10,000+ in losses.
Save on heating
A clean fireplace draws better, lowering heating bills by $100–$300 annually.
Avoid costly repairs
Catching cracks early prevents major fixes ($1,500+).
03
Oct
Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks
Check door handles and locks outside your home and fix squeaks or loose parts.
What you will need
- Screwdriver
- Multi-purpose lubricant (silicone spray or WD-40)
- Rag or paper towel
Steps to follow
- Open and close each exterior door to listen for squeaks or sticking.
- Tighten loose screws on handles, hinges, and lock plates with a screwdriver.
- Spray a small amount of lubricant into hinges and moving lock parts.
- Wipe away any extra lubricant to avoid drips or dirt buildup.
- Test the door to confirm smooth, quiet operation.
Benefits
Avoid locksmith calls
Prevents jammed locks that can cost $100–$250.
Extend hardware life
Stops wear that leads to replacement ($50–$150 each).
Improve security
Well-fitted locks reduce risks of forced entry.
02
Oct
Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway
Seal driveway cracks before winter to prevent costly damage from water and ice.
What you will need
- Crack filler or driveway patch
- Wire brush
- Putty knife or trowel
- Broom
- Hose
Steps to follow
- Sweep the driveway clean and wash away loose dirt with a hose.
- Use a wire brush to clean out cracks and gaps.
- Apply crack filler or patch compound with a trowel, filling flush to the surface.
- Smooth the surface with a putty knife for an even finish.
- Let it cure fully before parking or driving on it.
Benefits
Prevent major repairs
Fixing small cracks avoids resurfacing costs of $1,500–$4,000.
Save on patching
A $20–$50 kit stops damage that grows more expensive.
Maintain curb appeal
A well-kept driveway boosts property value.
01
Oct
Clean window and door screens
Wash and clean window and door screens to improve airflow and keep your home looking fresh.
What you will need
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Mild soap and bucket
- Soft brush or sponge
- Garden hose
Steps to follow
- Remove the screens carefully and lay them flat on a clean surface outdoors.
- Vacuum both sides with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and dirt.
- Scrub gently with soap and water using a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse with a garden hose and shake off excess water.
- Let screens dry fully before reinstalling them in windows or doors.
Benefits
Avoid replacements
Clean screens last longer, saving $30–$100 per screen.
Lower HVAC costs
Better airflow reduces energy use by $20–$50 annually.
Improve air quality
Reduces allergens and dust indoors, cutting cleaning costs.
30
Sep
Practice pest prevention by trimming shrubs and repairing rotten or broken woodwork
Trim shrubs and fix damaged exterior wood to block pest entry and protect your home.
What you will need
- Gloves, safety glasses, yard waste bags
- Hand pruners, loppers, and/or hedge trimmer
- Exterior wood filler/epoxy, putty knife, sandpaper
- Exterior caulk (paintable) and caulk gun
- Exterior primer/paint and brush
- Screwdriver/hammer (for loose trim), step ladder
Steps to follow
- Walk the home’s perimeter and note any shrubs touching siding, soffits, or the ground line.
- Trim shrubs and branches back 12–18 inches from walls to improve airflow and remove pest bridges.
- Clear debris at the foundation by raking out leaves and mulch piled against wood.
- Probe suspect wood with a screwdriver to find soft or rotten sections on trim, sills, and fascia.
- Scrape and remove loose material then fill minor rot with exterior wood filler or epoxy and sand smooth.
- Re-secure loose boards or trim with screws or nails so gaps are tight.
- Caulk small gaps and seams around trim, joints, and penetrations, then prime and paint repairs to seal out moisture.
- Bag and dispose of clippings and debris so you don’t leave nesting material near the house.
Benefits
Reduce exterminator costs
Removing cover and sealing gaps can prevent infestations, saving $200–$500.
Avoid moisture/rot repairs
Fixing small wood issues now can prevent siding and trim replacements ($300–$1,500).
Lower energy loss
Sealing exterior gaps cuts drafts and may save $50–$150 annually on heating/cooling.
29
Sep
Check your car’s heater and defroster
Test your heater and defroster before cold weather to ensure clear windows and cabin heat.
What you will need
- Owner’s manual (HVAC/defrost settings)
- Flashlight (for quick cabin filter check)
Steps to follow
- Start the car and switch to Heat/Defrost with the fan on medium-high.
- Confirm warm air at all vents within a few minutes and watch the windshield clear.
- Cycle through modes and speeds to ensure the blower and blend doors respond.
- Check/replace the cabin air filter if airflow is weak or musty.
- Book service if heat is lukewarm, airflow is poor, or the defroster is slow.
Benefits
Prevent costly repairs
Early fixes can avoid heater core/blower issues ($300–$1,000).
Reduce towing/roadside costs
Fewer cold-weather breakdowns ($100–$300).
Protect visibility
A strong defroster helps avoid damage and insurance deductibles.
28
Sep
Re-caulk and seal around doors and windows to keep cold air out
Re-caulk leaky doors and windows to cut drafts and lower heating bills.
What you will need
- Exterior-grade caulk (paintable latex or silicone)
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife/scraper and rag
- Painter’s tape (optional for clean lines)
Steps to follow
- Remove loose, cracked caulk with a knife or scraper and wipe the joint clean.
- Cut the caulk nozzle at a small angle and puncture the inner seal.
- Apply a steady bead along gaps around door and window trim.
- Tool the bead with a damp finger or tool to press caulk into the joint.
- Let it cure per label and paint if using paintable caulk.
Benefits
Lower energy bills
Sealing drafts can save $50–$150 annually on heating.
Prevent water damage
Stops moisture infiltration that leads to repairs ($200–$1,500).
Delay window/door replacement
Proper sealing extends service life ($500–$2,000+).
27
Sep
Inspect your child’s car seat for any defects or broken parts, and ensure your seat is registered to qualify for repairs
Inspect and register your child’s car seat to catch defects and receive free recall repairs.
What you will need
- Car seat manual (paper or online)
- Good lighting/flashlight
- Seat label info (model, DOM, serial)
- Smartphone/computer (manufacturer registration page)
Steps to follow
- Check the shell and base for cracks, stress lines, or loose hardware.
- Inspect straps and buckles for fraying, cuts, stiffness, or sticking latches.
- Verify all parts are present (chest clip, padding, anchors) and the seat isn’t past expiration.
- Record model/serial details from the label and register on the manufacturer’s website.
Benefits
Free recall fixes
Registration gets you no-cost repairs or parts, avoiding $20–$100 out-of-pocket.
Avoid full replacement
Early issue detection can prevent buying a new seat ($100–$300).
Reduce ticket risks
A compliant, intact seat helps avoid fines or re-inspection costs ($25–$200, locality-dependent).