100 Days Left in the Year - Make it Count

With fewer than 100 days left in 2026, this stretch of the calendar offers a valuable chance to revisit your financial plan before the new year begins. While the season is often filled with holidays, travel, and family commitments, it can also be an ideal moment to fine-tune your financial decisions and strengthen your overall strategy.

You do not need major changes to make meaningful progress. A few intentional updates before December 31 can help reinforce organization, support long-term goals, and boost confidence heading into 2027. Whether you want to improve retirement planning, reassess your cash reserves, or simply make sure your financial roadmap still matches your priorities, a year-end review can help you take advantage of the opportunities available.

Review Your Retirement Contribution Levels

As the year draws to a close, it is helpful to look at how much you have contributed to retirement accounts so far. Contribution limits reset each January, which means there is still time to maximize contributions for 2026 if it fits within your financial plan.

For this year, the 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500, and many individuals age 50 or older are eligible to contribute additional catch-up amounts. IRA limits have also risen to $7,500 for those under 50 and $8,600 for those who qualify for catch-up contributions.

Even modest adjustments to your retirement savings can compound meaningfully over time. If you receive a year-end bonus or additional income, directing part of it toward retirement accounts may help support your long-term financial goals while offering potential tax benefits depending on the account type.

Reassess Retirement Plans From Previous Employers

Job changes often leave people with multiple retirement accounts spread across past employers, making it harder to monitor investments or maintain a cohesive retirement strategy. Year-end is a practical time to revisit these accounts and determine whether consolidation would be helpful.

Combining accounts may improve organization, reduce unnecessary overlap, and simplify tracking your long-term progress. However, each account type comes with its own rules, features, and tax implications, so rollover decisions should be made carefully.

Working with a financial advisor can help ensure any consolidation decisions support your broader financial plan and long-term retirement goals.

Take Another Look at Your Cash Savings

This year, many people have reconsidered how they manage short-term savings, especially with interest rates still higher than they have been in recent years. Reviewing your cash strategy could help you find opportunities to make your savings more productive while keeping funds accessible.

Depending on your goals, you may want to explore tools such as high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, Treasury bills, or other short-term options. These vehicles can support emergency savings, upcoming expenses, or planned purchases without giving up liquidity.

When comparing options, consider key details such as minimum balance requirements, withdrawal restrictions, fees, and how easily you can access your money. The right choice should reflect your financial needs and comfort level.

Give Your Budget a Year-End Checkup

The final stretch of the year usually comes with added spending on travel, celebrations, gifts, and seasonal activities. Without intentional planning, these costs can strain household finances.

A year-end budget review can help you understand recent spending patterns and identify areas where adjustments may help. Instead of seeing a budget as restrictive, view it as a tool for staying aligned with your priorities and long-term financial goals.

Assessing your expenses may also highlight opportunities to increase savings, reduce debt, or allocate funds toward future investments. Even small, consistent changes can create meaningful long-term benefits.

Prepare Ahead for Holiday Spending

Holiday-related expenses can place noticeable pressure on finances well beyond the season. Without a plan, it’s easy to rely heavily on credit cards or spend more than intended.

Creating a holiday spending plan before purchases begin can help reduce stress. Some households set spending limits, simplify gift-giving traditions, or emphasize shared experiences over shopping. Others spread purchases throughout the season to avoid a large single expense.

The aim is not to limit holiday enjoyment but to ensure celebrations remain consistent with your financial priorities.

Consider Year-End Gifting Options

If supporting family members is part of your long-term financial or estate-planning strategy, now may be a good time to review gifting opportunities.

The annual gift tax exclusion for 2026 is $19,000 per recipient, which may allow families to assist children, grandchildren, or others while staying within tax-efficient guidelines.

Because every situation is unique, it’s important to evaluate gifting within the context of your overall financial plan. A thoughtful review can help ensure these decisions align with your long-term goals.

Confirm That Beneficiary Designations Are Current

Beneficiary designations are a frequently overlooked part of a financial plan. Many accounts—such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies—transfer directly to named beneficiaries regardless of what is written in a will or trust.

Major life events like marriage, divorce, births, or loss of a loved one may cause your current designations to become outdated. Checking these details before the year ends can help ensure your wishes are reflected and prevent avoidable complications for your family in the future.

Set Up a Year-End Financial Review

One of the most valuable steps you can take is scheduling time to look at where you stand financially and where you want to go next. A year-end financial review allows you to revisit goals, analyze progress, and consider adjustments for the year ahead.

With 2027 approaching, now is an ideal time to proactively assess your finances. If you would like help reviewing your retirement plan, savings strategy, beneficiary designations, or overall financial picture, our team at Febbo Wealth Management is here to support you as you prepare for a confident start to the new year.