Receiving a financial windfall, whether it's a surprise inheritance, a lottery win, or a legal settlement, can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's natural to feel a rush of emotion and to want to spend the money right away, but it's important to take a step back and think about how to be smart with your windfall.

As we wrap up one year and prepare to head into the next, now is the time to reflect on how far you’ve progressed financially and plan ahead for where you’re going. It’s always a good idea to check in on the state of your finances heading into a new year; with so many unexpected changes, it’s even more important.