As 2025 wraps up, it’s the perfect time to take a pause, check in on your finances, and make sure everything is in good shape before heading into the new year. Think of this as your “financial refresh.” A moment to reflect, tidy up, and set yourself up for success in 2026.

At Fyooz Financial Planning, we believe small, intentional actions now can make a big difference later. Here’s what we recommend focusing on before the calendar turns:

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1. Review your tax picture

Before December 31st, take a few minutes to review your income, deductions, and potential tax opportunities for 2025.

• Maximize contributions: Add to your 401(k), 403(b), HSA, or FSA accounts before year-end if you’re able.
• Check your withholdings: If you’ve had a job change, raise, or other income shift, make sure you’re on track to avoid surprises at tax time.
• Consider charitable giving: Gifts made by year-end (cash or appreciated stock) can provide both personal and tax benefits.
  
  • Schedule a free consultation with us if you’d like to learn more about how this can impact your specific situation!
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2. Check in on your spending and saving

Your cash flow tells a story, and the end of the year is a great time to listen. 

• Look back at where your money went in 2025 and see how it aligned with your priorities.
• Celebrate progress! Whether you paid down debt, grew your emergency fund, or finally took that trip you’d been saving for. Everything counts!
• Adjust automatic savings or budget categories to reflect new goals for 2026.

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3. Revisit your investments

Markets fluctuate, and your portfolio may have drifted away from its original target.

• Review your investment allocation and rebalance if needed to stay aligned with your long-term plan.
• Double-check that you’re still comfortable with your overall risk level.

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4. Update your bigger picture

Life changes fast, and your financial plan should keep up!

• Review your insurance coverage, beneficiaries, and estate documents to make sure they reflect your current situation and wishes.
• If you experienced a major milestone this year (marriage, a new child, a home purchase, or a career change), it may be time to revisit your overall financial plan.

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5. Plan for your 2026 goals

With a fresh year ahead, this is a great time to think about what you want your money to make possible next year.

• Identify your top priorities. This could be travel, saving for education, home improvements, investing for the future, and so much more!
• Set new savings targets and automate contributions early in the year.
  
  • Download our Millennial's Cash Flow Guide to learn more about organizing your cash flow and bank account structure to build an automated system that works for your specific goals! ‍
  • Reflect on what worked well in 2025 and what habits you’d like to build on.

Wrapping it all up

The end of the year is a moment to pause and realign, not just financially, but personally. It’s a time to celebrate your progress, get organized, and start the new year feeling grounded and intentional.

If you’d like help reviewing your year-end checklist or setting up your 2026 goals, our team at Fyooz Financial Planning is here to guide you through every step. Schedule a free consultation with us to get started!

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Here’s to a fresh, focused start in 2026! 

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Fyooz Financial Planning is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner based in Minneapolis, MN and Portland, OR, dedicated to helping couples achieve their financial goals. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing investments, or looking for tax-efficient strategies, our experienced team provides personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation of Fyooz Financial Planning, Natalie Slagle CFP®, or Daniel Slagle CFP®. Past performance may not be indicative of future results and may have been impacted by events and economic conditions that will not prevail in the future. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific security, investment product or investment strategy referenced in the article, either directly or indirectly, will be profitable or equal to the corresponding indicated performance level(s). No portion of the article shall be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any specific security or investment product or to engage in any particular investment or financial planning strategy. Any reference to a market index is included for illustrative purposes only, as it is not possible to directly invest in an index. Indices are unmanaged, hypothetical vehicles that serve as market indicators and do not account for the deduction of management fees or transaction costs generally associated with investable products, which otherwise have the effect of reducing the performance of an actual investment portfolio.

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