11-Step Ultimate Money Checklist For 2026
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If we’re being honest, we could all do a better job with our money. Even the most financially savvy person can find ways to make their money go further.
Whether you’re looking to make better money moves across the board, make smart investments, supplement your income, or grow your business, this 11-step ultimate money checklist is loaded with money moves that are sure to help!
The Essentials
Money moves everyone should be making.
1. Leave Your Family with Up to $20,000,000: If something tragic were to happen to you unexpectedly, would your family be able to live off of your savings? Probably not. Most people underestimate how much money is needed. That’s why life insurance is a must. And with SelectQuote, you could get affordable life insurance with coverage that ranges up to $20,000,000. The younger you get life insurance the cheaper it usually is, and because today is the youngest you’ll be, you shouldn’t delay learning more. Take a couple of minutes to get your free quote from SelectQuote today!
2. Get Rid of Credit Card Debt with a Personal Loan: Many people fall into credit card debt and their card’s high-interest rate keeps them trapped for years. This is where a personal loan might help. These are lower-interest loans that can be used for just about anything — including paying off your credit card, which could potentially save you big money in interest fees. LendingTree is an online loan marketplace that helps you find personal loan options in just two minutes. Fill out the site’s simple form and get offers from multiple lenders to compare in one place in just 2 minutes. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000. You can also use a personal loan for other needs, such as paying for medical bills, making improvements to your home, funding your family vacation, and more.
3. Lower Your Car Insurance in Minutes by Comparing Rates Online: If you’re overpaying for car insurance, you’re not alone — many drivers stay with the same provider for years without realizing they could save hundreds by switching. That’s where EverQuote comes in. EverQuote is a free online marketplace that helps you compare car insurance quotes from top providers all in one place. Simply answer a few quick questions, and in minutes you’ll see personalized offers tailored to your driving profile. Comparing rates regularly is one of the easiest money moves you can make, and EverQuote makes it fast, simple, and completely free to use.
4. Protect Your Retirement Savings with This Free 2026 Gold Guide: With inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, protecting your retirement savings is more important than ever. Goldco helps Americans safeguard their wealth by diversifying retirement accounts with physical gold and silver. To help you get started, Goldco is offering a free 2026 Guide to Protecting Your Retirement Savings that explains how precious metals can act as a hedge against inflation and market downturns. Request your free guide today to learn smart strategies for preserving your hard-earned retirement funds.
5. Protect Your Budget from Costly Home Repairs with a Home Warranty: Unexpected home repairs can wreck your budget fast — especially when major systems or appliances break down. AFC Home Warranty helps protect homeowners from surprise expenses by covering repairs and replacements for things like HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and more. Unlike many competitors, AFC lets you choose your own licensed technician and offers flexible plans with long-term price guarantees. If you want peace of mind and more predictable home expenses, checking out AFC Home Warranty is a smart money move.
6. Don’t Pay for Protected Auto Repairs with an Extended Car Warranty: Unexpected car repairs can cost thousands and quickly derail your budget. Instead of paying out of pocket when something breaks, an extended auto warranty from American Dream Auto Warranty can help cover the cost of protected repairs for your vehicle’s major components. With flexible coverage options for many makes and models, this protection helps drivers avoid large surprise expenses and keep more money in their pockets. If you’re looking for peace of mind on the road and predictable auto repair costs, American Dream Auto Warranty is a smart money move to consider.
7. Get Matched with a Financial Advisor to Build a Smarter Plan: Trying to manage investments, retirement, taxes, and long-term goals on your own can be overwhelming. SmartAsset makes it easy to connect with vetted financial advisors who can help you create a personalized plan for your money. Simply answer a few questions about your finances, and SmartAsset will match you with up to three fiduciary advisors in your area — at no cost to you. Whether you’re planning for retirement, investing, or looking to grow your wealth, working with a financial advisor can be a powerful money move.
Making Extra Money
Money moves that will help you put more money in your pocket.
8. Take Surveys in Your Free Time to Earn Extra Cash: Looking for a fun activity to help kill time? With Branded Surveys, you can actually get paid for offering your opinion to all kinds of brands. Create a profile and Branded Surveys will match you with surveys most likely to pique your interest. As you complete surveys, you’ll earn points and be able to redeem them for money or gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants. Check this fun money move off your ultimate money checklist today by signing up with a valid email address or Facebook account!
9. Get Paid to Test Apps and Complete Simple Tasks in Your Free Time: Looking for an easy way to earn extra cash without committing to a second job? Freecash lets you get paid to test apps, play games, take surveys, and complete simple online tasks. Sign up for free, choose offers that interest you, and earn rewards you can cash out via PayPal, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. It’s a flexible way to turn spare time into extra money — making it a smart addition to your ultimate money checklist.
Business Owners
Money moves that will help you grow your business.
10. Get Your Hands on the Funds Needed to Help Your Business Thrive: Need funding without entering into a marriage with investors? Fundera could help you get approved for a loan that sees funds deposited in your bank account in only a few days. Fill out one simple application form and this site will find multiple options for you to compare all at once. To date, Fundera has helped more than 85,000 businesses secure over $2.5 billion in funding. Check out your options with Fundera today!
11. Fast-Track Growth by Helping Customers Find You Online: There are probably customers who are currently looking for your business online. With Yelp ads, you can make it easier for them to find you! As one of the largest online directories, Yelp allows businesses to create powerful advertising campaigns for their products and services. Sign up today and join more than 4.8 million businesses that are already using Yelp to reach more customers. You’ll even get a free $300 advertising credit!
You Deserve to Get More from Your Money
Ready to check off each money move from our ultimate money checklist? Many of these moves can be completed without leaving your couch!
Of course, making smart money moves is going to help you manage your money better and save hard-earned dollars in the here and now. But it’s also going to help you plan for the future and make smarter investments that pay off in a big way down the road!



