16 Money Moves to Wrap Up the Year

December 8, 2025

The change from one year to the next is a good time to get organized. It’s a chance to finish up loose ends and prepare for financial success. Whether you’re focused on investing, taxes, health expenses, or everyday spending, a little planning now can go a long way later. Here are practical ways to make your money work harder as the calendar turns.

1. Strengthen your investing knowledge

If you’ve been meaning to brush up on investing basics, consider setting aside time for a short course or interactive learning tool. Many platforms now offer risk-free practice environments where you can learn terminology, walk through scenarios, and try simulated trades before putting real dollars on the line. A refresher now can translate into greater confidence in the year ahead.

2. Schedule year-end health appointments and use FSA dollars

If you’ve already met your health insurance deductible, squeezing in medical appointments before December 31 could save you money. Don’t forget to check your flexible spending account (FSA) balance—many plans require funds to be used or claimed by year-end. Some employers offer a grace period or small carryover, so review your plan rules. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are more flexible: unused balances roll over indefinitely.

3. Organize your charitable giving

If you plan to itemize deductions, qualifying donations made before December 31 may help reduce your tax bill. Even if you don’t itemize, this is a great time to identify causes you want to support and schedule gifts for the coming year. A few minutes of planning can help you give more intentionally.

4. Maximize tax-advantaged contributions

Retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s generally follow a strict year-end contribution deadline. Increasing your contributions—even slightly—may reduce your taxable income for the year. IRAs and HSAs follow different rules, allowing prior-year contributions until the tax-filing deadline, though HSA payroll contributions must be made by December 31 to avoid additional payroll taxes. If you’re also saving for education, check whether your state’s 529 plan offers a tax benefit with a year-end cutoff.

5. Reserve your tax-prep appointment early

Tax professionals book up quickly, especially if you prefer a specific preparer or time slot. Scheduling in December or early January can help ensure you get the help you need well before deadlines approach.

6. Consider filing taxes early

There are several perks to filing sooner rather than later—potentially lower fees, faster refunds, and a reduced risk of late penalties. Whether you file yourself or use a tax pro, start organizing receipts and documents now. Electronic filing with direct deposit remains the fastest way to get your refund.

7. Don’t rush online purchases

If your online shopping cart is full, try waiting before checking out. Many retailers send follow-up discounts to nudge abandoned carts, which can lead to meaningful savings on holiday or year-end spending. Being patient often pays off.

8. Map out your paid time off

Spend a few minutes reviewing next year’s calendar. Planning ahead for key vacations, long weekends, or family events makes it more likely you’ll use your earned time—and helps you avoid missing out if your workplace awards popular days on a first-come basis.

9. Automate your savings and investing

A simple way to build momentum in the new year is to set automatic transfers to your savings, retirement, or investment accounts. Once it’s set up, you don’t have to rely on willpower each month. Even small contributions can build powerful long-term habits.

10. Prepare for quarterly taxes if needed

Self-employed workers, freelancers, and people with substantial investment income may need to submit estimated quarterly taxes. The final payment for 2025 income earned between September and December is due January 15, 2026. If you typically owe more than $1,000 at tax time, estimated payments can help you avoid penalties.

11. Make a plan for year-end bonuses or refunds

A windfall—whether a tax refund or a work bonus—is an opportunity to make progress toward financial goals. Consider setting aside a portion for long-term savings or debt reduction while still allowing some room to celebrate. Balancing responsibility with enjoyment can make planning more sustainable.

12. Think carefully before a major purchase

If you’re considering a big goal such as buying a home or planning a major trip, start with an honest budget review. Look at what you earned, spent, and saved this year to understand what’s realistic for next year. Next, determine how much you’ll need for your goal and create a savings timeline. Short-term goals may be suited to CDs or money market funds, while longer-term goals may call for diversified investments.

13. Reduce winter heating costs

A few simple actions can help lower seasonal energy bills:

●     Replace furnace filters every three months

●     Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down

●     Close vents in unused rooms

●     Check for paperless-billing discounts

Small changes can add up to noticeable savings.

14. Review your credit reports

You can access free reports from each major credit bureau weekly through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your file several times a year may help you spot errors early—such as incorrect personal information, unfamiliar accounts, or misreported payments. Dispute inaccuracies promptly to keep your credit profile clean.

15. Compare prescription costs

If you’ve changed health insurers or noticed rising prices at the pharmacy, take time to compare medication costs. Many insurers offer online tools showing price differences between retail and mail-order pharmacies. Discussing alternatives with your doctor could save you money throughout the year.

16. Try a savings challenge

If you want a fun way to build savings momentum, consider the 52-week challenge: save $1 in week one, $2 in week two, and continue increasing by $1 each week. By year’s end, you’ll have stashed away $1,378—proof that small steps can lead to meaningful progress.

Bottom Line

As you wrap up the year and look ahead to the next, even small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference in your financial well-being. By tackling a few of these tasks now—whether it’s organizing your taxes, fine-tuning your budget, or reinforcing good saving habits—you’re giving yourself a stronger foundation for the months ahead. The key is consistency. Planning today can help create a more confident, secure, and rewarding financial future.

Sources:

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/financial-planning-checklist-for-winter

Disclosure:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.