5 Financial Things to Check Before the Year Ends
Blog
October 27, 2026
The end of the year always seems to arrive faster than expected. Between the holidays, family gatherings, and everything else competing for our attention, financial planning may not be at the top of the list.
But before the calendar turns, a quick financial check-in can be well spent time. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Start with these five areas.
1. Take One More Look at Your Taxes
Did anything change for you financially this year?
Perhaps you received a bonus, retired, sold an investment or business, made a significant charitable gift, or simply earned more or less than expected.
A year-end conversation with your financial advisor and CPA can help you review your income, investment gains and losses, withholding, and other planning opportunities while there is still time to act.
2. Check In on Your Investments
A lot can change in a year, including the markets and your own financial goals.
Take a moment to ask whether your investments still fit the life you're planning for. It may also be worth reviewing capital gains and losses, rebalancing opportunities, and whether tax-loss harvesting makes sense for your situation.
The goal isn't to react to every market move. It's to make sure your investment strategy is still working toward your goals.
3. Review Your Retirement Accounts
Take a look at what you've contributed to your 401(k), 403(b), IRA, or business retirement plan this year.
Depending on your circumstances, year-end may also be a good time to discuss a Roth conversion, required minimum distributions, or a qualified charitable distribution.
Keep in mind that retirement accounts have different rules and deadlines, so your financial and tax professionals can help you determine what actually needs to happen before December 31.
4. Wrap Up Your Charitable Giving
If giving is important to you and your family, make sure your charitable plans haven't gotten lost in the holiday rush.
Beyond writing a check, there may be other ways to give, including appreciated investments, donor-advised funds, or qualified charitable distributions for eligible IRA owners.
And don't leave everything until New Year's Eve. Some transactions take time to process.
5. Look Ahead to Next Year
Finally, take a step back from the numbers.
What changed in your life this year? What went well? What are you looking forward to next year?
This is a good opportunity to review beneficiaries, insurance coverage, estate documents, savings, and debt, then identify the two or three financial priorities that matter most to you in the year ahead.
A Little Planning Can Go a Long Way
Year-end planning doesn't have to mean scrambling to complete a long list before December 31.
Sometimes the most valuable step is simply pausing, seeing where you stand, and making sure nothing important has been overlooked.
A thoughtful conversation now can help you close out the year with confidence and begin the next one with a clearer sense of direction.
About Moffatt
Moffatt Financial Strategies (MFS) is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
MFS may discuss and display, charts, graphs, formulas which are not intended to be used by themselves to determine which securities to buy or sell, or when to buy or sell them. Such charts and graphs offer limited information and should not be used on their own to make investment decisions.