July is the perfect time to pause and take a look at how your budget is working for you. Think of it as a mid-year tune-up—just like you’d check your car before a road trip, you should check your finances to make sure you’re still on track.

Start by reviewing your original goals:

Are you saving what you planned to?

Have your expenses changed?

Maybe you’ve had some wins—like paying off a credit card—or maybe you faced unexpected costs that threw things off a little. Either way, take stock of what’s working and what needs adjusting.

Be sure to check in on your emergency fund. Has it been used this year? If so, now’s a great time to make a plan to refill it. Even small, consistent contributions can restore that safety net and give you peace of mind for the rest of the year.

Also take a look at your sinking funds—those mini savings buckets for things like holiday gifts, back-to-school shopping, car maintenance, or annual insurance premiums. Are you setting enough aside monthly to stay ahead of those costs when they come up? If not, adjust your contributions now to avoid scrambling later.

This quick mid-year review doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is powerful. A few small shifts in July can keep your goals in focus and your finances running smoothly through the rest of the year.

Feel free to reach out to me with any of your budget questions! And incase you missed it, learn more about Sinking Funds here.