Household maintenance: Replace your HVAC filter, clean your dryer lint trap, and inspect pipes under sinks and behind toilets for leaks. A $10 filter prevents $10,000 in system damage, a clean lint trap prevents 2,900 house fires annually, and catching a small leak early stops $20,000 to $30,000 in water and mold damage later.

Vehicle safety check: Pull every seatbelt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or worn webbing. Verify car and booster seats don't shift more than one inch and check expiration dates on car seats. Proper restraints reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers — and this inspection costs nothing.

Tax filing: Collect your W-2s, 1099s, and deduction receipts and file before the deadline. Missing it triggers penalties of 5% monthly up to 25% of taxes owed, and you could forfeit an average $3,000 refund permanently after three years.

Debt and loan review: Pull every debt statement, list your balances and interest rates, and check your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. One hour of review can uncover refinancing opportunities that save $100,000 or more over the life of a mortgage.