Year-End Financial Planning Checklist for 2026 | SafeMoney.c

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: Use our year-end financial checklist to secure your future. Review income, tax strategies, and safe money alternatives. Get started today! Quick Answer: A year-end financial planning checklist should include: reviewing income sources and gaps, executing tax-smart moves like Roth conversions and QCDs before December 31, checking Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment (through December 7), rebalancing investments, protecting against inflation, updating estate documents and beneficiaries, and scheduling a comprehensive financial review with your advisor. --> October Wrap-Up: Planning Ahead for a Stronger 2026 As Financial Planning Awareness Month comes to a close, it's the perfect time to take action before the year ends. October has been about understanding your income, risks, healthcare costs, and protection strategies — now it's time to put it all into motion. With just a few months left in 2025, you still have time to make strategic moves that can strengthen your finances for the year ahead. Here's your year-end financial planning checklist to help you prepare confidently for 2026. Income and Retirement Security 1. Review Your Income Plan Start by reviewing where your income will come from in the new year: Social Security Pensions Annuities Investment withdrawals Ask yourself: Will these income sources cover your expenses, especially with inflation and rising healthcare costs? If not, explore ways to create guaranteed income for essentials through fixed or fixed indexed annuities . They can help turn savings into predictable, lifelong income—protecting you from market risk and uncertainty. Tax Planning Strategies 2. Revisit Your Tax Strategy Year-end is your last chance to make smart tax moves that can lower your 2025 bill and set you up for 2026. Consider these steps: Perform Roth conversions before December 31. Make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) if you're 70½ or older. Harvest investment losses to offset gains. Review your withholding and estimated tax payments to avoid surprises in April. Tip : A small shift in how and when you draw income can make a big difference in your lifetime tax liability. Learn more about retirement planning strategies that can help minimize your tax burden. Healthcare Coverage Review 3. Check Your Medicare and Health Coverag