9 End-of-Year Financial Planning Tips to Finish Strong
By Craig Murrin, Managing Partner, BlackPoint Capital Partners · Originally published as Year End Financial Planning in Lake Las Vegas: A Consolidated View Q4 2025 · October 2025
As we head into the fourth quarter, people shift their focus to the holidays and coast into year-end. But this stretch is where smart planning happens.
Fourth quarter gives you time to make meaningful adjustments – without the stress of a December 31st scramble. Here are key areas to focus on right now:
1. Retirement Contributions
Make sure you’re on track to hit your 401(k) or IRA targets. For 2025, the 401(k) limit is $23,000 ($7,500 if you’re 50+). IRAs allow $7,000 ($8,000 with catch-up). Adjusting now spreads the cost and lowers taxable income.
2. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
If you’re over 73, don’t leave RMDs to the last minute. Missing them leads to steep penalties. If you don’t need the income, a Qualified Charitable Distribution can satisfy your RMD and reduce taxable income.
3. Portfolio Cleanup
Markets always create winners and losers. Realizing losses now can offset gains and reduce taxes – one of the simplest ways to cut your tax bill while also rebalancing your portfolio. Just be mindful of the wash-sale rule if you plan to buy back in.
4. Flexible Spending Accounts
“Use it or lose it” is the rule for most FSAs, check your balance and schedule eligible expenses before year-end. HSAs are different – balances roll over – but Q4 is still a good time to maximize contributions and review options.
5. Gifting Strategies
The annual gift tax exclusion is $18,000 per recipient in 2025. Both parents can gift, meaning a couple can transfer $36,000 per child/grandchild tax-free. Get it done before the calendar flips.
6. Insurance Review
Family and income change – your insurance should too. Reviewing life, disability, and long-term care policies annually ensures you hold the best possible coverage for your needs.
7. Charitable Giving
Be intentional. Small monthly donations add up, but making a lump-sum contribution in Q4 often helps you maximize deductions. Donor-Advised Funds are a strong tool for giving now and granting over time.
8. Beneficiaries & Estate Documents
Quick but crucial. Double-check retirement accounts, bank accounts, insurance, wills, and trusts to ensure paperwork matches your wishes.
9. Goals for 2026
Don’t wait until January. Set your priorities now – paying down debt, boosting savings, or funding education – so you start next year on the front foot.
Fourth quarter isn’t just the finish line – it’s the launch pad for the coming year. Tackle these areas now, and you’ll end 2025 in control while starting the 2026 with real momentum.
Some of the content of this communication was provided by third parties of BlackPoint Capital Partners. We have not verified the information contained herein, but we believe the content is reliable. None of this content should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and often have highly-individualized requirements, you should seek the advice of a competent tax professional if you have specific tax questions.
