Note: This article is courtesy of Iris.xyz
By Michael Kay
Football season is upon us, and whether you’re partial to college ball, the NFL, or are just plain addicted to anything resembling a pigskin, you can expect a lot of couch time. But you don’t have to ignore your finances just because the running backs are slashing, linebackers are taking down opposing quarterbacks and the beer and nachos are plentiful.
You can take time between cheering, dipping, or complaining about a blown call to improve your financial life. Think it can’t be done? Well, here are six ways to take care of your finances during the course of a single football game.
You have a good ten to fifteen minutes between the pregame show and kickoff. Use that time to log in to your 401(k) or IRA account and check the following:
1. Beneficiary designations.
If you have minor children, DO NOT name them as beneficiaries. If you’ve had a change in marital status, make sure it’s properly indicated. Remember, you cannot disinherit a spouse without them signing off.
2. If you have a rebalance option, make sure it’s selected for at least once or twice a year.
Examine your current allocation and make sure it reflects your ability to withstand market volatility. Holding stocks in your retirement plan is a way of unlocking market returns, provided you’re properly diversified and you have sufficient time to allow the market to provide something akin to historic rates.