As the summer winds down and the leaves start to shift, September offers the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and reset—especially when it comes to our finances.

For Black women over 50, financial wellness is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about freedom, legacy, and peace of mind. Whether you’re looking ahead to retirement, supporting adult children, or navigating a second act in your career, now is the time to ask:

Am I on track financially?

Let’s break it down, sis.

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Why Now?

Summer often brings spending spikes—vacations, family gatherings, home projects. And let’s be real: sometimes we treat ourselves without looking too closely at the receipts.

That’s okay.

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about regaining clarity and staying aligned with your goals.

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Your End-of-Summer Financial Checklist

Here’s a simple step-by-step check-in you can do this week (with your favorite playlist or cup of tea in hand):

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1. Review Summer Spending

Pull out your bank or credit card statements and scan your summer expenses.

• What were your biggest purchases?
• Any unexpected costs?
• Where did your money go vs. where you thought it would go?

This gives you insight without shame—just facts.

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2. Update or Revisit Your Budget

If you haven’t touched your budget in a while, now’s the time to revisit it.

• Are your income and expenses still accurate?
• Do you need to adjust for rising costs (groceries, gas, etc.)?
• Are there areas where you can cut back before the holidays?

Tip: Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide—50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt payoff.

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3. Check Your Emergency Fund

Life happens. And at this stage, it’s more important than ever to have cushion.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have 3–6 months of expenses saved?
• If not, how can I prioritize building it?

Even starting with $25 a week can make a difference.

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4. Revisit Retirement Goals

Whether you’re planning to retire at 62 or 72, it’s important to check in:

• Are you contributing enough to your 401(k), IRA, or pension plan?
• Do you know how much you’ll need to retire comfortably?
• Have you spoken with a financial advisor lately?

Remember: It’s never too late to save or pivot.

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5. Credit & Debt Check

Pull your free annual credit report (from all 3 bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com).

• What’s your current credit score?
• Are there any errors to dispute?
• Do you have a plan to pay down high-interest debt?

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6. Protect Your Legacy

We don’t just build wealth—we build legacies.

• Do you have a will or estate plan in place?
• Have you listed beneficiaries on your accounts?
• Have you talked to your family about your financial wishes?

Taking these steps now ensures your loved ones are protected later.

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Financial Wellness is Self-Care

As Black women, many of us were raised to take care of everybody else first. But sis, your financial well-being deserves center stage.

This check-in isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. With just a few hours of honest reflection and adjustment, you can head into fall with confidence, clarity, and control.

You’ve worked hard. Now, let your money work for you.