Your Financial Spring Cleaning Checklist

Your 30s are about building good habits. Just as you maintain your car or update your home, your retirement account needs regular attention. This is where many University employees fall behind. They enroll once and then forget about it. 

Think of your 403(b) as a living plan. Life changes. The market changes. Your risk tolerance changes. A simple annual review can keep your plan on track. 

The 403(b) Annual Checklist for Employees in Their 30s 

1) Review Your Contributions 

Are you contributing enough to receive the full employer match? Could you increase your contribution by one percent this year? That small change can add up over time through compound growth. 

2) Update Beneficiaries 

Marriage, divorce, children, or new priorities can all change your wishes. Make sure your beneficiary designations are current. Many people never update this until it is too late. 

3) Revisit Your Investment Mix 

Are you still in the same funds you chose at enrollment? Do they still fit your risk level and time horizon? Use your University plan’s online tools to review your mix and confirm you are diversified across major stock and bond categories. 

4) Check Fees 

Understand what you are paying. Expense ratios and account-level fees vary by fund and provider. Even a half-percent difference can reduce your long-term balance by a meaningful amount. 

5) Turn On Rebalancing 

Over time, winners can dominate your portfolio. Rebalancing brings you back to your target risk. Many plans allow you to schedule this quarterly or annually. 

6) Confirm Contributions and Pay Schedules 

If your pay or position changed, verify that your contribution percentage and dollar amounts are still correct. Make sure catch-up eligibility and annual limits are on your radar. 

7) Review Provider Features 

If you use TIAA, understand any liquidity rules before adding annuity-style options. If you use Fidelity, consider how to use low-cost index funds to build a diversified core. Either path can work if it fits your goals. 

8) Keep Good Records 

Download your annual statements, confirm contact information, and store your plan documents in one place. This makes future reviews simpler. 

Why This Matters 

It is easy to say, “I will deal with retirement later,” but later arrives sooner than you think. Regular maintenance helps you avoid missed matches, unnecessary fees, and misaligned risk. A short checklist once a year can protect the progress you are making. 

If you want a second set of eyes or a plain-English walkthrough of your current setup, the Provizr team is always here to help. 

Next Steps - Sign up for the free Provizr Blueprint - Schedule an annual review before your next birthday - Increase your contribution by at least 1 percent this year