5 End-of-Year Tips

As the year wraps up, now is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and make a few strategic money moves that can put you on stronger financial footing for the year ahead. These don’t require big lifestyle changes—just small, intentional steps that could add up.

1. Use Your Benefits Before You Lose them
   Many employee benefits  expire on December 31 and follow a “use it or lose it” rule. Take a few minutes to review your Flexible Savings Account balance, vision/dental coverage and/or any wellness stipends. It’s also a great time to schedule any preventive care appointments especially if you’ve already met your deductible.
2. Plan for Tax Season
   A little prep now can reduce stress later. Start a Tax Season folder. Make time to organize receipts, review/adjust withholdings if needed and track charitable donations.
3. Explore Maximizing Contributions to Tax-Advantaged Accounts
   Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, Health Savings Accounts, 401(K) and/or 403(b) could help reduce taxable income today while building long-term savings for retirement or healthcare tomorrow. Talk to a professional to determine if maxing out contributions to these accounts could help improve your financial picture.
4. Give Your Budget a Quick Checkup
   Look back at your spending and savings patterns. Take note of what surprised you, which categories consistently ran high and where you were able to make real progress. A simple 10 -15-minute review can help you start the new year with clarity rather than guesswork.
5. Review Your Credit Report
   Reviewing your credit report each year helps you catch errors or outdated accounts that could be dragging down your score. Spotting inaccuracies or old accounts to close could give your score an easy boost. It’s one of the fastest, simplest moves you can make to start 2026 stronger.