
Settle Into Your New City
Now before you let your foot off the gas to relax a bit, stay with us. You still have work to do. Don’t worry. Settling into your new city can be fun—especially since you have a chance to save money!
Let’s say you’re pretty much unpacked and living in your new home. What items are left to check off your list? Here are some important ones:
- Check moved items for damage. After unloading, inspect all moving boxes and furniture. Make a list with photos of any damaged items to file a claim with the moving company.
- Update accounts with new address. Update all your personal accounts (bank, online services) with your new address.
- Update your insurance policies. Moving to a new location is a good time to see if you can save money on insurance options like homeowner’s, renter’s, or auto. To be sure you have the amount of protection you need and aren’t paying too much for it, use our Coverage Checkup Tool.
- Update license and vehicle tags. Visit your local DMV to update your driver’s license and vehicle tags. Ask if your car must meet any unique state requirements like an emissions test.
- Find an investing professional. If you want help rolling over your 401(k) from your previous company, or to make sure you’re moving toward future success with your financial and retirement goals, find an investing professional in your new area.
- Find a health care provider and mechanic. It’ll be better to find a good doctor and car mechanic when you don't have problems than to panic when you do. Start now to give yourself time to find one you like and trust.
- Review your will. Since laws regarding wills differ state to state, you might need to update yours. If you don’t have one, this fresh start is the perfect time to create a will.
- Prepare for tax differences. Different income and sales tax laws between states can have a big financial impact. To be confidently prepared for these tax differences, and to avoid getting blindsided by a budget-crushing tax bill next season, find a tax expert near your new home.
Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve just accomplished. You overcame many obstacles to get where you are. Pause, reflect, and smile!
If you find yourself struggling with relocation depression, there's nothing better than getting plugged into a community of people with a common goal. And a great way to do that is by joining a Financial Peace University class. You'll learn everything about how to handle money and make friends at the same time. (And that's important stuff, no matter where you live.)