While this year has been moving fast, it’s time to slow down to think ahead to 2026. The financial decisions you make now, in Q3 of 2025, can have a big impact on how confidently you walk into 2026. It’s a key opportunity to reflect, adjust, and plan. This year, North Carolina residents have a bit more flexibility due to Hurricane Helene. The IRS has extended the 2024 tax filing deadline to September 25, 2025, giving you additional time to take action. However, many financial decisions still need to be made before December 31.
Here are some ways to use the rest of this year wisely, so you can step into 2026 with confidence and clarity.
1. Take Time to Reflect on 2025 Spending and Financial Wins
Look back at your spending, savings, and unexpected expenses. What worked well? What needs adjusting? Did you stay within your spending plan? Were there unexpected expenses that threw things off track? Did you meet the savings and investing milestones you set at the start of the year?
This kind of year-end review isn’t about perfection, but learning. When we understand what worked (and what didn’t), we can make smarter choices going forward. If your expenses were higher than expected in certain categories, we can adjust your 2026 plan now rather than waiting for the same surprises.
2. Maximize Your Retirement Contributions
Retirement planning is one of the most powerful levers we have for building long-term financial security. Q3 is a great time to reevaluate contributions to ensure you are taking full advantage of this year’s contribution limits. Whether you’re contributing to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) or 403(b), or adding to an IRA, these pre-tax or tax-deferred contributions can reduce your taxable income and grow your retirement nest egg. Even if you can’t max out the full annual limit, increasing your contributions by even a small amount now can pay dividends later. We can review your current contributions, identify any room to grow, and make sure your investment mix still reflects your goals and timeline.
3. Consider Strategic Giving
Charitable giving is a meaningful way to make an impact, but it can also be a valuable part of your financial strategy. Donations made before December 31st can be deducted if you itemize your taxes, and there are several ways to give that may offer additional benefits. For instance, gifting appreciated stock can help you avoid capital gains tax while still supporting a cause you care about.
4. Evaluate Your Withholding and Tax Strategy
Now is an ideal time to take a closer look at your tax situation, especially if you’ve experienced changes like a new job, added income streams, or had life events such as marriage or a new dependent. Adjusting your tax withholding or making an estimated payment can help you avoid underpayment penalties and ensure you don’t face an unexpected tax bill come April. This is also a good opportunity to identify how you can benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill, from deducting car loan interest to early, long-term investments for children through a Trump account. I’m here to help you get ahead of the curve so you can close out the year with clarity and confidence.
5. Book Your Year-End Review
As we approach the end of 2025, it’s important to assess how your finances performed against your goals, and whether any shifts are needed heading into 2026. This includes reviewing your portfolio allocations, cash flow, emergency savings, insurance coverage, and any life changes that could impact your financial priorities. Together, we’ll create a roadmap for the year ahead that reflects where you are now and where you want to go. If you haven’t scheduled a review yet, I encourage you to do so soon. The earlier we meet, the more time you’ll have to implement any end-of-year strategies.
I know how quickly life can get busy. Between school restarting, holidays, obligations, and unexpected changes, it’s easy to push your financial wellness to the bottom of the list. But taking a few intentional steps now can bring a real sense of peace and direction heading into 2026.
You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help making decisions, untangling your tax picture, or simply talking through your goals, I’m here to support you. Let’s use this time to reflect on what’s worked, adjust where needed, and move forward with clarity.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m just a phone call or message away.
