5 Joyful Year-End Planning Moves to Set You Up for a Brighter Year Ahead
As the year winds down, it’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of the holidays and the rush to wrap things up at work and home. But before the calendar turns, it’s also the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make a few intentional moves that can set you up for a more confident and joyful new year.
At Alegre Wealth, we believe your wealth should be more than numbers on a page—it should create space for what truly matters most in your life.
Here are five end-of-year planning steps to help you align your finances with your goals, values, and peace of mind.
1️⃣ Revisit Your Big Picture
Your financial plan should evolve as your life does.
Life rarely stays still—and your financial plan shouldn’t either. Take time to step back and reflect: What changed this year? Maybe you welcomed a new family member, lost a loved one, changed jobs, or simply gained more clarity about what you want your next chapter to look like.
Use this moment to review your goals, revisit your budget, and ensure your financial plan still reflects the life you’re building. Even small check-ins can lead to powerful clarity and direction heading into the new year.
2️⃣ Maximize Your Retirement and Savings Opportunities
Before December 31st, check in on your retirement and savings contributions. Have you maxed out your 401(k), IRA (if eligible), or Health Savings Account (HSA)?
If you’re able, increasing contributions, even slightly, can boost your long-term growth and reduce this year’s taxable income.
For those in transition or nearing retirement, this is also a great time to review your investment mix to ensure it still fits your timeline and comfort level. The right balance can help your money grow while giving you peace of mind through market ups and downs.
3️⃣ Give with Intention
Even in times of uncertainty, giving allows us to reclaim a sense of agency and joy, reminding us that small acts of generosity can ripple far beyond ourselves. Whether you’re supporting a favorite cause, helping family, or contributing to your community, generosity can be both fulfilling and financially wise.
Consider:
Donating appreciated stock instead of cash
Leveraging employer match programs
Using a donor-advised fund (DAF) for flexibility
Taking advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion to share wealth with loved ones
When giving is part of your financial plan, it deepens the connection between your money and your values.
4️⃣ Make Tax-Smart Moves
Year-end is your last chance to take advantage of strategies that may lower your 2025 tax bill.
A few to consider before December 31st:
Harvest investment losses to offset capital gains
Review withholdings or estimated payments
Make last-minute charitable contributions
Evaluate Roth conversions if you’re in a lower tax bracket
Don’t forget to review Roth contribution/conversion options in your employer plan
Thoughtful planning now can make tax season smoother—and free up more of your resources to put toward what brings you joy in the year ahead.
5️⃣ Prepare for What’s Ahead
The coming years may bring changes to tax laws and estate planning thresholds. Being proactive today can help you stay ahead of those shifts.
Review your estate documents, beneficiary designations, and insurance coverage to ensure everything reflects your current wishes. Your plan should evolve as your life does—this check-in helps keep everything aligned and intentional.
Bringing It All Together
Financial planning isn’t just about maximizing returns or minimizing taxes—it’s about creating the freedom to live life with purpose, clarity, and joy.
As you close out the year, take pride in how far you’ve come, give yourself grace for what’s still in progress, and look ahead with confidence.
Alegre Wealth is here to help you turn financial clarity into lasting peace of mind—so you can step into the new year feeling centered and empowered.
Ready to Reflect and Realign Before Year-End?