Checklist: Catchup Weekend

Things to do this weekend with your money:

A key tax deadline is looming, and it may be time to review your overall tax picture.

Today: Call your tax preparer

Make an appointment with your tax preparer to discuss tax-saving strategies to implement this year. Most preparers are too busy during the regular tax season to offer more than perfunctory advice.

*

Saturday: Be aware of extension deadline

Tax procrastinators, take note: Aug. 16 is the deadline for filing your return if you requested an extension in April. If you want another extension--this time for two months--you need to file Form 2688 and show good reason why you need more time, such as missing information or serious illness in the family.

*

Sunday: Review retirement plan contributions

Make adjustments if needed. It’s often smart to contribute to an individual retirement account as early in the year as possible, while contributions to 401(k)s may need to be spread evenly throughout the year to get the maximum employer match.