Financial essentials

Three habits to boost your financial confidence

A mid-year financial check-in is a smart way to assess where you are, recognize your progress, and uncover new opportunities for growth.

2.5 min
Two professionals engaged in a financial consultation meeting. A financial advisor in a white button-up shirt takes notes on a yellow notepad while listening attentively to a client in a beige ruffled top and blue jeans. They are seated on gray upholstered chairs in a bright, minimalist office setting with neutral beige walls.

Check-in on your financial goals.

Much like an annual wellness visit, a financial check-in helps you evaluate your current financial health. This is a chance to review your habits, course correct as needed, and set the stage for long-term goals. Whether you’re looking for guidance or simply want to track your progress, the right tools—and support—can help you move forward with confidence.

Everyone’s relationship with money is different, shaped by unique goals, responsibilities, and life events. Some people thrive on reviewing their finances regularly, while others may check in less often. What matters most is developing consistent habits, even in times of uncertainty or change.

Here are a few healthy habits to help build financial confidence:

1. Make it manageable

You don’t have to do everything at once. Taking small actions over time can lead to lasting change. A great place to start is understanding your current financial picture. Review how much you are contributing and how your assets are currently allocated. You can review performance each quarter, and over time, this awareness can help you make more intentional choices and align your portfolio with your goals and risk tolerance.

2. Automate where possible

Automation builds consistency. Start small by checking in on what accounts, if any, are currently automated and adjust from there. You may be able to automate your retirement contributions, which can help you save on a regular basis and allow you to steadily build towards your long-term objectives.

3. Celebrate progress.

Whether it’s reaching a savings milestone, paying down a credit card or simply spending less, don’t forget to acknowledge your wins along the way. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished can reinforce positive habits and boost your confidence.

Put your habits to work

Consistent financial habits can provide a sense of stability and prepare you for long-term success. But you don’t have to go it alone—we’re here to help! Retirement Journey Planner provides tailored advice to help you stay or get on track. Learn strategies for saving, investing, and protecting your income in retirement. Build your confidence today!

Let us help you plan for retirement.

When reviewing your retirement plan, you may wonder if you’re contributing the right amount. TIAA offers assistance as part of your plan.

Guidance that’s tailored to you

Retirement Journey Planner can help you save, invest and protect your income in retirement.

Start now

A benefit for TIAA participants

Retirement planning help is available as a benefit in most plans – at no additional cost.

Learn more

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and is not fiduciary investment advice, or a securities, investment strategy, or insurance product recommendation. This material does not consider an individual’s own objectives or circumstances which should be the basis of any investment decision.

The TIAA Retirement Journey Planner is a brokerage service provided by TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA, SIPC.

IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated by the Retirement Journey Planner tool regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Results may vary with each use and over time.

4565804