Beyond the Rush: Why Year-End Financial Focus is Non-NegotiableBeyond the Rush: Why Year-End Financial Focus is Non-Negotiable

The final months of the year are busy! But with end-of-year financial deadlines that can impact your financial health, a well established money management routine can help you:

• Avoid costly mistakes: Keep more of your money to use as you see fit.
• Reduce Financial Stress: Know your status with confidence, even during the holidays.
• Track your progress: Clearly understand what to focus on for your best 2026.

Your MoneySwell account gives you a Financial Priorities action plan and an automatically created monthly agenda to make establishing this routine a breeze (see how!).

Three End-of-Year Financial Reminders

1. Achieve Your Retirement Savings Goals
   

   The MoneySwell Retirement Planner has all the tools you need to set goals and track your progress.

   Did you hit your minimum, target, or stretch goal for tax-advantaged retirement contributions this year? Log in to your provider’s website to confirm how your total contributions (including potential employer matches) stack up. If you’re close to a goal, a small percentage adjustment now can make a big difference.

   • MoneySwell Tip #1: When you update your Retirement Planner, you can instantly visualize how your contributions align with your goals for the year.
   • MoneySwell Tip #2: Use our 401k Match Calculator to confirm if you’re getting your employer’s full company match.

2. Secure a Final 2025 Tax Break Through Charitable Giving
   It’s been estimated that ~30% of annual donations to charity happen in December alone. That means a cause you care about is counting on your generosity.In addition to supporting your charity, donations to qualifying non-profit organizations generally reduce your taxable income. This means a $100 contribution may only cost you about $70 in real terms (depending on your bracket) once your tax savings are factored in.

3. Review Your Health Insurance (Open Enrollment)
   The fall is the only time most people can change or sign up for health insurance. This is a critical action to prepare for your 2026 financial stability.
   • MoneySwell Action Item: Don’t just re-enroll—evaluate your options! Consider this key question before your deadline: Have your anticipated health expenses changed?You may want to choose a plan with a lower deductible if you expect major procedures, or a higher deductible if you plan for minimal care. Also, consider a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that allows you to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA)—an excellent, triple-tax-advantaged way to save for future healthcare costs.