January is a time for a fresh start. Don’t get bogged down by any financial missteps you may have made this year. To help stay on course, here are some key dates and money matters to keep an eye on this month:
1. Families with college-bound kids should complete the federal financial aid application, the FAFSA form, as soon as possible. The form can be completed online. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed in.
3. The first trading day of the new year. Did you do a year-end checkup on your portfolio? Consider whether you need to make changes for the year.
16. Volunteer your time or professional expertise for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Teaching financial literacy is one of the projects outlined on the event’s website.
17. IRS begins accepting 2011 tax returns under the Free File program.
31. Copies of W-2 forms for 2011 are due from employers. The Associated Press
