As the year winds down, many families take time to slow down, reconnect, and reflect. It’s also one of the impactful moments to revisit your financial strategy before the calendar turns. December can offer a unique window to help create more clarity around what matters most, both financially and personally.
Below are a few strategic considerations to review as you wrap up the year.
1. Reevaluate Your Investment Allocation
Market conditions, income levels, and personal goals often shift throughout the year. A year-end review can help determine whether your investments still reflect your risk tolerance and long-term objectives.
Ask yourself:
- Are my current holdings working cohesively?
- Do I have overlap that creates unnecessary risk?
- Is my portfolio positioned correctly for the coming year?
A refreshed allocation can help bring more clarity and help reduce surprises down the road.
2. Identify Opportunities to Help Improve Tax Efficiency
December is often the last chance to make strategic adjustments:
- Improve retirement contributions
- Use tax-loss harvesting to help offset gains
- Review capital gains distributions
- Evaluate whether charitable giving strategies can help enhance deductions
Acting before December 31 can help strengthen your tax position going into April.
3. Confirm Cash Flow and Liquidity Needs for Early 2026
Whether you're preparing for tuition payments, home projects, or upcoming travel, make sure you have:
- Adequate cash reserves
- The right accounts funding the right goals
- A plan for early-year expenses
Thoughtful preparation now can help keep next year running smoothly.
4. Simplify Where Possible
Complexity can often mask inefficiency. December is an ideal time to:
- Consolidate accounts
- Streamline old investment positions
- Remove redundant holdings
- Revisit your overall financial structure
Simplicity can bring clarity, and clarity can bring more confidence.
5. Align Your Plan with Your Priorities
Financial strategy is effective when connected to what matters most. Whether your focus is retirement readiness, legacy planning, tax optimization, or long-term investment growth, this is the moment to help ensure your financial plan reflects your values and vision.
Closing the Year With more Confidence
If a year-end reset is on your mind, I’m here to help you evaluate your current picture and identify opportunities to help strengthen your financial direction. Let’s schedule a time to talk and help ensure you head into the new year with more clarity and confidence.
Ready to learn more? Get started by
requesting a complimentary initial consultation whenever it’s convenient for you.
Read more articles by Ryan Johnson