11 Financial Tasks Made Easy
The first segment of our financial toolkit tackles those annoying but essential tasks for the home, college savings, taxes and life management.
Where does one go to resolve consumer complaints, replace a lost Social Security card or review coverage on a home insurance policy? We made a list of these essential financial tasks that never seem to get done and then figured out the easiest way to accomplish them.
Below, you'll find everything you need to complete each financial task in five steps or less.
Boost Your Paycheck
Here's the fastest way to put a little more money in your pocket, all year long. See how easy it is to adjust your tax withholding.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Track Your Spending
Ever wonder your money goes? This site not only tracks your spending but can identify your budget bloat.
Complain and Get Results
Find out what to do if a customer service representative cannot solve your problem.
Stop Junk Mail Forever
Junk mail is not just a nuisance that creates volumes of trash, it can also jeopardize your identity. Here are several ways to stop the madness.
Land a College Scholarship
These guidelines for a targeted scholarship search can save you time -- and improve the odds to receive a financial award.
Replace a Social Security Card
Whether you've misplaced your Social Security card or lost it, the good news is that replacing your card is easier than you think.
Hire a Reliable Contractor
Whether you're home renovation project requires a substantial investment or cosmetic updates, follow these steps to make sure your walls are in competent hands.
Protect Your Home and Valuables
It is absolutely essential to safeguard your home with adequate insurance coverage. Here's how to review your policy.
Write a Will Without the Hassle
Every adult needs a will. Here are guidelines to get you started, now.
Start a 529 Plan
Starting a college savings plan is one of the most important financial goals for parents (after securing retirement savings). Are you ready to get started in five simple moves?
Lock in a Cheap Mortgage
Home loan rates have dropped, find out how to take advantage of refinancing opportunities.
Prepare for a Natural Disaster
Preparing for a natural disaster is not the work of pessimists. a growing number of hurricane, tornado and wildfire survivors concur: Just do it.
JUMP TO:
Finance
Credit
Retirement
Investing
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Aging: The Overlooked Risk Factor
Sponsored Elder care is a personal and financial vulnerability many people fail to plan for.
-
AI vs the Stock Market: How Did Alphabet, Nike and Industrial Stocks Perform in June?
AI is a new tool to help investors analyze data, but can it beat the stock market? Here's how a chatbot's stock picks fared in June.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day
Smart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know So Far, Plus Early Deals
Amazon Prime Here are the key Amazon Prime Day dates and details you need to know, plus some of our favorite early deals to shop ahead of the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.