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01Savings & Growth
02Homeownership Planning
03Family Financial Planning
04Retirement & Future Security
05Life’s Financial Milestones

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Milestone Checklist

Choose a life event and tick through the money steps that usually come with it. Your progress grows as you go.

Which milestone are you planning for?

Your progress0 of 6

Buying or moving to a new home

Set a down payment and closing-cost savings target
Keep a separate cushion for moving and first repairs
Review your credit report for errors (free at AnnualCreditReport.com)
Compare homeowners or renters insurance quotes
Update your address with your employer, bank, and the USPS
Rebuild your monthly budget around new housing costs

Getting married

Share income, savings, and balances owed openly
Decide on joint, separate, or hybrid accounts
Set two or three shared goals with timelines
Update beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance
Review health insurance options for both of you
Revisit tax withholding (Form W-4) after the wedding

Welcoming a new child

Estimate one-time costs (gear, nursery, medical bills)
Plan leave income and a buffer for the gap
Add your child to health insurance within the enrollment window
Price out childcare options early
Review life insurance and name guardians in a will
Consider opening an education savings account

Changing jobs or careers

Build a transition fund for a possible income gap
Compare total compensation, not only salary
Plan for any gap in health coverage
Decide what to do with your old workplace retirement plan
Enroll in the new retirement plan and capture any match
Update your budget for the new pay schedule

Nearing retirement

Estimate retirement expenses, including healthcare
Check your Social Security estimate at SSA.gov
Review Medicare enrollment timing
Consolidate and list all retirement accounts
Plan a withdrawal approach with a licensed professional
Update your will, beneficiaries, and important documents

Read alongside

Financial checklist for major life events
Merging finances after marriage
Money moves for a career change

More tools

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Emergency Fund Calculator
Retirement Savings Estimator

Results are educational estimates based on the numbers you enter and any hypothetical rate shown. They are not a promise of future results or personalized financial advice. Nothing you type here is sent or stored.

Small Steps Today. A Stronger Tomorrow.

Free, independent guides and planning tools for saving, homeownership, family finances, retirement, and life’s milestones.

Topics

Savings & Growth
Homeownership Planning
Family Financial Planning
Retirement & Future Security
Life’s Financial Milestones

Explore

All Guides
Resource Library
Planning Tools
About
FAQ
Contact
Get Updates
Search

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ORANGE, CA 92868

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Independent education only. NestSprout is an independent financial education website. We do not sell financial products, offer or arrange financing, or provide personalized financial, tax, or legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any government agency. Content is general information; consider speaking with a licensed professional about your situation.

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