Wrap Up Your Year With These 5 Financial Steps

By Brett Gottlieb

The past few years have been challenging for many, with rising costs and economic uncertainty making it hard to feel financially stable.

But your personal finances don’t have to stay stuck in that same stress. By taking a few intentional end-of-year financial actions, you can regain control, build confidence, and set yourself up for a smoother, more confident 2026. These steps are designed to provide clarity, support smart planning, and keep your money working as hard as you do. Here are five key actions to help you get your finances in order before the new year.

1.   Evaluate Your Emergency Savings

Now is the perfect time to verify your emergency fund is in good shape, or start building one if you haven’t yet. A solid emergency fund typically covers 3–6 months of essential living expenses, like rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and transportation, depending on how steady your income is.

Recent data from Bankrate.com shows many Americans still fall short on emergency savings. With ongoing market uncertainty and economic slowdowns, some experts suggest keeping a little extra (around 6–7 months’ worth of expenses) especially if you’re single or have variable income from commissions, seasonal work, or freelance projects. Saving at the higher end of the range can give you peace if income fluctuates or unexpected job changes occur.

Whatever amount you choose to set aside, make sure it’s in a highly liquid account; money that’s easy to access when you need it. At the same time, you want an account that earns a competitive interest rate so your cash doesn’t sit idle. An FDIC-insured money market account is a smart option, letting your emergency fund be ready when needed while still working a little for you.

2.   Check Your Asset Mix & Invest Strategically

The end of the year is also a great time to review your asset allocation strategy. Given the continued impact of market volatility and historic levels of inflation these past few years, it’s crucial that you evaluate your investments and verify your portfolio is properly diversified.

It should also be tailored to your specific risk tolerance level, so you’re earning enough returns to keep up with inflation but not overexposing yourself to excess risk beyond your comfort level and your stage in life.

3. Plan Your Charitable Contributions

As the year comes to a close, consider reviewing your charitable giving. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to support the non-profits, churches, and organizations that matter most to you.

Charitable contributions can play a role in your broader tax planning or be integrated into a thoughtful estate plan. Giving in this way can offer several benefits, supporting causes you care about, potentially lowering your taxable income, and reducing the size of your taxable estate.

4. Take Full Advantage of Your Benefits

While every employee benefit plan has its own rules and regulations, many of them expire or reset at the end of the year. You worked hard for these perks, so be sure to use them before it’s too late!

Medical and Dental Benefits

Now’s the time to take care of all your healthcare needs before your deductible resets. Dental plans in particular often have a maximum coverage amount. If you haven’t used the full amount and anticipate any treatments, make it a priority to set an appointment before December 31st.

Flexible Spending Account

Like your health insurance benefits, you’ll want to use up as much of your FSA (flexible spending account) dollars as possible by the end of the year since you are only allowed to carry over $660 for the plan year-ending 2025 into 2026. That being said, check the restrictions on your account to see what the money can and cannot be used for, and take care of any needs you may have as allowed by your plan.

Sick and Vacation Time

Depending on your company, your sick or vacation time might expire at the end of the year. Check with your HR department to learn about any expiration dates. If it does expire, fit in a last-minute staycation or take some time off to work on projects you’ve been putting off. If you need to make any trips to the doctor, schedule those appointments now to make use of paid-time-off benefits before you lose them.

5. Review Your Plans and Policies

Finally, revisit your estate plan and insurance coverage to make sure everything still reflects your current life and financial situation. Even if you created an estate plan a few years ago, it’s important to review it periodically, or after major life changes, to confirm that all documents are up to date and accurate.

Your insurance needs can shift over time, too. Check your coverages and beneficiaries to make sure they match your current circumstances. For instance, if you’ve paid off major debts like a mortgage, you might not need as much life insurance. You may also want to evaluate other protections, such as long-term care or disability coverage, so your plan still supports your family’s needs.

Work With a Professional to Tackle End-of-Year Financial Actions

At Comprehensive Advisor, we guide you in regaining control of your financial picture after a challenging few years. Together, we create a clear plan toward your financial goals and tackle your New Year’s resolutions in 2026 with confidence.

From reviewing investments to optimizing tax strategies, we provide the insights and support you need every step of the way. Email us at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com or call (760) 813-2125.

About Our Advisors

Brett Gottlieb is the founder of Comprehensive Advisor and a financial advisor with nearly two decades of industry experience. He graduated from California State University-Chico with two bachelor’s degrees, in business administration and economics, and is Life Insurance licensed in several states. He is passionate about guiding his clients on retirement income planning, helping each client pursue their specific retirement goals, and defending the assets his clients have worked so hard to achieve. Brett is a California native and currently resides in San Elijo Hills with his beautiful wife and three children.

Our team of qualified professionals have experience in the financial service industry, and our advisors hail from some of the largest independent broker/dealers and banking institutions in the country. They have dedicated their professional careers to creating personalized financial strategies for individuals and families who seek successful retirement planning and currently offer investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management, LLC. Our advisors take a common-sense approach to the retirement planning process and work with clients to create a comprehensive roadmap to help ensure their assets are preserved and they receive the income needed to enjoy their future. Based in Carlsbad, California, they work with clients throughout San Diego County and beyond. Learn more by connecting with Brett on LinkedIn or email them at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com.

Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products are offered through the insurance business C.A. Financial & Insurance Services. Comprehensive Advisor, LLC is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by C.A. Financial & Insurance Services are not subject to investment Advisor requirements. CA Ins. Lic. #6000262. 3356087 – 10/25