From Ledger Sheets to Digital Banking: My Journey and Five Smart Moves for Financial Wellness
When I was a child, I watched my father balance his checkbook once a month like clockwork. He’d retreat to the little room off the garage he called his “office,” armed with an ancient mechanical adding machine. I can still hear the rhythmic tap-tap-tap and the roll-chunk as the machine printed each calculation on a narrow strip of paper. It went on for hours, but at the end of the day, his account book balanced perfectly.
Those memories taught me something important: financial wellness takes discipline and attention. Back then, it was all about ledgers, calculators, and patience. Today, we have tools that make managing money easier and faster than ever—but the principles remain the same. As we head into a new year, I want to share five strategic moves that can help you take control of your finances and feel confident about your future.
1. Audit Your Accounts
Back in the day, auditing meant flipping through pages of handwritten entries and reconciling every penny. Today, it’s much simpler—but just as important.
Start by reviewing all your accounts:
- Checking and savings
- Retirement accounts
- Old accounts you might have forgotten about
Ask yourself:
- Does each account have a clear purpose?
- Are you contributing to retirement?
- Do you have an emergency fund?
Pro Tip: Consolidating accounts can reduce fees and give you a clearer picture of your finances. Mid Oregon’s Digital banking tool make this easy—you can see everything in one place, even accounts from other institutions.
2. Set Money Goals
When I was younger, goals were simple: save enough for a family vacation or a new appliance. We didn’t have apps or dashboards—just envelopes and handwritten notes.
Today, goal-setting is more structured and powerful. Start by listing what went well last year, then identify what you’d like to improve. Break big goals—like paying off debt or saving for a home—into smaller steps.
Tips for Success:
- Be specific and realistic
- Start small—two or three goals are plenty
- Stay flexible. Life happens!
Pro Tip: Use the savings goal tool under the Financial Wellness tab in the Mid Oregon Digital Banking to track your progress and stay accountable.
3. Optimize Investment Accounts
Investing used to feel intimidating without easy access to information. Now, you can review and adjust your accounts with just a few clicks.
Action Steps:
- Check your retirement contributions and make sure you’re taking advantage of employer matches
- If you have old 401(k) accounts, consider rolling them into an IRA for better control
- Explore IRA certificates for competitive rates and long-term growth
4. Enlist Professional Help
Years ago, financial advice often came from family or friends. Today, you have access to experts—and many services are free.
Our institution offers:
- Financial consultations visit any branch to review your goals and accounts
- Book a Retirement & Investment planning session with Mid Oregon Wealth Management to help you prepare for the future
- Attend one of the Financial Workshops offered by Mid Oregon to make everyday money management and future planning easier
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Professional guidance can simplify complex decisions and give you peace of mind.
5. Plan for Tax Season
I remember when tax season meant paper forms spread across the kitchen table and hours of calculations. Now, you can prepare with far less stress.
Start early:
- Organize your documents now
- Use digital tools to track deductions and income throughout the year
- Seek professional help if needed—did you know that just being a member at Mid Oregon you can get discounts for your tax prep? Click here for more information.
Closing Thoughts
Financial wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. The tools have changed since my father’s days with his mechanical calculator, but the goal remains the same: clarity, confidence, and control.
