5 money moves you should make right now

Disclaimer: We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. All links marked with an asterisk ( * ) are paid links.

With the new year well under way there's still time to get your finances in order and solidify a wealth-building plan.

There are things you can start doing now to start the year strong that will translate into healthy money habits for the years to come.

We’ve compiled a list of timeless ways to up your money game without significantly altering your day-to-day life. From saving to spending and even investing, here are five essential money moves you should make now.

Don't miss

• Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years — but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger

• Inflation is still white-hot — use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what the US Fed does or says

• Anything can happen in 2024. Try these 5 easy money hacks to help you make and save thousands of dollars in the new year (they will only take seconds)

1. Get expert help crafting a financial plan

If you’re unsure how to begin investing and create a long-term financial plan to guide you in the new year, WiserAdvisor* can assist you.

WiserAdvisor is an online platform that connects you with vetted financial advisors. After sharing some information about yourself and your finances, WiserAdvisor matches you with two to three FINRA/SEC registered financial advisers* best suited to help you consider your financial goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

You can view the advisors’ profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. With WiserAdvisor, you don’t have to navigate your financial journey alone because you have their professional guidance*.

2. Ensure your loved ones stay protected

No one ever feels ready to start thinking about life insurance. But the truth is, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the lower your premiums will be.

Life insurance can be used to cover outstanding debts and pay for funeral costs or other end-of-life expenses.

Consider opting for life insurance with SBLI*, where you can protect your family's financial future with professional advice, a simple online claims process and no medical exams required for term insurance.

SBLI gives you access to LegacyShield*, a streamlined dashboard where you can manage all your financial accounts, store documents and share final wishes, all in one convenient place for you and your dependants.

3. Pay off credit card debt with a personal loan

When you have control over your debt, you can enjoy peace of mind and look forward to the future.

Credible* makes it easy to streamline your debt repayment at an affordable rate. Their online marketplace of vetted lenders provides personalized debt consolidation loan offers based on your needs, allowing you to pay off your debt more efficiently at a fixed rate without juggling multiple bills.

All you need to do is provide some information about yourself*, and Credible will present you with a list of loan options to start tackling your debt.

Read more: Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market — and are betting on these 3 assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds

4. Diversify your investments with real estate

Rental properties have proved to be a lucrative long-term investment, providing consistent, passive income.

Of course, the responsibility, time and cost of rental property management and ownership might deter the average investor from venturing into the real estate asset class.

However, Arrived* is lowering the barrier to entry for rental property investing, allowing you to start with as little as $100.

Arrived is an online platform where you can invest in shares of rental homes and vacation rentals without taking on the responsibilities of property management.

Begin by browsing a curated selection of homes*, vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, choose the number of shares you want to buy.

Then, all you have to do is sign on the dotted line and begin receiving quarterly deposits from your property’s rental income.*

5. Invest your spare change

Acorns is an investing service and savings tool rolled into one.*

When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess — the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash — into a smart investment portfolio.*

Let’s say you purchase a doughnut for $2.30. Before you’re done licking the sugar off your fingers, Acorns will round the amount to $3.00 and invest the 70-cent difference for you. That’s all there is to it.

Your spare change may not seem like much, but look at this math: $2.50 worth of daily round-ups add up to $900 per year — and that’s before your savings earn money in the market.

Plus, if you sign up rnow you can get a $20 bonus investment.*

What to read next

• Here's how you can invest in rental properties without the responsibility of being a landlord

• ‘The biggest crash in history': Robert Kiyosaki warns that millions of 401(k)s and IRAs will be 'toast' — here's what he likes for protection

• 'It's not taxed at all': Warren Buffett shares the 'best investment' you can make when battling inflation

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.