Scan the financial headlines in December, and you’ll see no shortage of year-end advice competing for your attention. Some ideas are useful. Others add more noise than clarity. With just a couple of weeks left in 2025, the goal isn’t to do everything. It’s to focus on the moves that can still make a meaningful difference before the calendar turns.

Think of your finances like a garden. Where does a little attention now help things grow more smoothly in 2026? Here are four areas worth reviewing before year-end.

Feed Your Cash Reserves

After several years of higher interest rates, cash can finally pull a bit more weight.

Make Sure Your Cash Is Working

If your short-term savings or emergency fund is sitting in a low- or no-interest account, consider moving it into a higher-yield option such as a high-yield savings account, money market fund, or short-term CD. Many of these accounts are still offering competitive yields in 2025.

If you’re considering U.S. Series I Savings Bonds, remember they require a one-year minimum holding period, making them more suitable for money you won’t need right away.

Keep Cash in Perspective

While higher yields are helpful, cash is still best used for short-term needs and stability. Once your reserves are where they need to be, excess cash may be better positioned for long-term goals through a diversified investment strategy as you head into 2026.

Prune Your Portfolio

Year-end is a natural time to check whether your portfolio still reflects your goals and risk tolerance.

Rebalance Where Appropriate

Strong market performance in 2025 may have shifted your asset allocation. Rebalancing, especially inside tax-advantaged accounts, can help realign your portfolio without triggering unnecessary taxes.

Watch for Year-End Capital Gains

If you hold mutual funds in taxable accounts, check whether any year-end capital gains distributions are expected. These distributions can create taxable income even if you didn’t sell anything, and being aware of them ahead of time can help avoid surprises.

Use Remaining Contribution Opportunities

Even though some contributions can be made after year-end, others cannot. If you contribute to a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457, contributions must be made through payroll by December 31. The same is often true for Health Savings Account contributions, depending on how contributions are made.

Reviewing these now can help ensure you don’t miss deadlines that can’t be extended.

Consider Strategic Giving

If charitable giving is part of your plan, donating appreciated securities from taxable accounts before year-end can be a tax-efficient way to support causes you care about while potentially reducing capital gains exposure.

Train Those Taxes Before the Deadline

Some tax planning opportunities truly are time-sensitive.

Don’t Miss Required Distributions

If you’re subject to Required Minimum Distributions, they must be taken by December 31, 2025, to avoid penalties. If you’re charitably inclined, Qualified Charitable Distributions can count toward your RMD while helping reduce taxable income.

Harvest Losses or Gains Thoughtfully

Tax-loss harvesting may help offset capital gains, while tax-gain harvesting can make sense in certain lower-income years. These strategies depend on your full financial picture, so coordination with your tax professional is important.

Check Withholding and Estimated Payments

A quick review of tax withholding and estimated payments before year-end can help avoid underpayment penalties and reduce surprises when you file.

Look Ahead to 2026

Even small steps now, such as reviewing projected income or upcoming changes, can make it easier to start 2026 with a clearer plan and fewer last-minute decisions.

Weed Down Your To-Do List

Year-end planning isn’t about checking every box. It’s about choosing the few actions that matter most.

Instead of rushing through a long list, focus on one or two financial moves that align with your priorities and take the time to do them well.

One additional item to keep in mind: if you have a Flexible Spending Account, review your balance now. Many plans require funds to be used by year-end, and unused amounts may be forfeited depending on your plan’s rules.

Need Help Before the Year Ends?

If you’d like guidance on wrapping up 2025 or setting up a clear plan for 2026, Navalign Wealth Partners is here to help. A conversation now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and help you enter the new year feeling organized and confident.