It's easy to overspend in some areas and neglect other priorities such as reducing high interest debt, saving for a down payment on a car or a home, or putting money away for your retirement.

That's why you should use your periodic financial checkup as an opportunity to see where your money has been going and make adjustments in your spending and saving plans for the future. It's certainly worth trying any system – ranging from a computer-based budget program to hand written notes – that will help you keep track of your spending each month and enable you to set and stick to limits you consider appropriate.

You might be surprised how much you spend, even on small, incidental things such as snacks or specialty coffee. You also might be surprised at how keeping track of your spending can make a big difference in achieving your goals.

When reviewing your payments and spending, also make sure you have enough insurance to protect your family – such as disability insurance to replace lost income .