3 Financial Planning Tips for Year-End
Following recession fears and economic upheaval from heavy tariffs in 2025, should investors expect a slow market in the new year? Is it unreasonable to hope for a positive surge in the market?
It’s easy to start looking ahead to the new year and looming market and tax code changes. But before 2025 ends, it’s time to run through your year-end financial planning checklist.
Keep reading for financial planning tips to help you close this year strong and prepare for 2026!
- Adjust your giving and investment strategies in light of new limits on revised charitable deductions, family gifting and estate planning.
Tax code changes are on the way in 2026, and it’s important to know how these changes affect you.
Our friends at Capital Group break down how the new federal tax law will affect itemized deduction benefits by raising the minimum amount each donor can give before claiming a deduction.
However, increasing one-time donations or opening a donor advised fund (DAF) in December can lessen the impact of the new law.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia has a DAF plan for everyone that can open at any time. You can open a DAF with as little as a thousand dollars, to take advantage of minimum fees, we recommend adding more funds regularly in order for them to grow tax-free. (For more information on opening a donor advised fund, visit cfneg.org.)
In addition, thresholds for lifetime family gifting and estate planning have increased. It’s important to take this time to consider whether you or your clients could or should take advantage of these revised thresholds.
- Review your life insurance policies to ensure accurate benefits.
As you bless your family this holiday season, don’t forget to think about their future.
You may have opened a life insurance policy when interest rates and your economic needs were very different. Before the new year, review your policy term coverage, beneficiaries and death benefits to discern whether your policy still fits your needs.
- Inflation and tariff troubles won’t end when the ball drops, so take time to evaluate your portfolio’s resilience.
Are you investing in international equities to diversify your portfolio? Have you considered diversified hedge funds, core fixed income or infrastructure investments to balance your long-term plan?
As you diversify your portfolio based on your risk tolerance, J.P. Morgan also recommends evaluating your cash needs to ensure you have easy access to cash if necessary. You can also consider a portfolio line of credit for emergency funds.
These adjustments to your plan can bolster your portfolio, help your overall investment strategy weather a volatile market and give you peace of mind to truly enjoy the holiday season.
Resources:
Backer, S., Ludman, A., & Sprechman, J. (2025, September 4). Get ready for 2026: Make these
10 planning moves now. J.P. Morgan Private Bank U.S.
and-insights/get-ready-for-2026-make-these-10-planning-moves-now
Rich, T. (2025, October 14). Important considerations for 2025 year-end planning.
CapitalGroup Private Client Services.