Five Things Investors Should Consider Before Year-End
As the year winds down, many investors use the final weeks to review their financial picture and make thoughtful adjustments. While everyone’s situation is different, there are a few broad considerations that may help you approach year-end with clarity and confidence. Below are five key areas worth evaluating before the calendar turns to January.
1. Review Your Portfolio Allocation
Market conditions evolve throughout the year, and portfolios can drift away from their intended mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes. This “drift” may change your overall level of risk. Consider reviewing your allocation to ensure it still reflects your long-term objectives, time horizon, and comfort with volatility. Periodic rebalancing—when appropriate—can help maintain alignment with your financial plan.
2. Evaluate Tax Considerations
Year-end is often a strategic time to review realized gains or losses. Tax-loss harvesting, when suitable, may allow investors to offset certain taxable gains with losses. It’s also important to consider how distributions, dividends, and capital gains may affect your tax picture. Because taxes are complex and individualized, always consult with a qualified tax professional before making decisions.
3. Maximize Retirement Contributions
If you participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA, now is a good time to confirm whether you’re on track to maximize contributions for the year. Increasing contributions—even modestly—may help support long-term retirement goals. Be sure to check contribution limits and deadlines, as some accounts allow contributions up until the tax filing date.
4. Revisit Cash Reserves
As life changes, goals can evolve too. Year-end creates an opportunity to reassess short- and long-term priorities—whether that’s retirement planning, college funding, charitable giving, or preparing for a major purchase. Reviewing your emergency fund, insurance needs, and budgeting habits can help strengthen your overall financial foundation heading into the new year.
5. Understand Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
If you’re age 73 or older this year, you may be required to take an RMD from your traditional IRAs or certain employer retirement plans before December 31. Failing to satisfy your RMD can result in a significant penalty. For those who don’t need the income, strategies such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)—direct transfers to qualified charities—may help satisfy RMDs while also supporting causes that matter to you. As always, coordinating with your tax advisor is recommended.
A Thoughtful Close to the Year
As we move into the holiday season, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on what truly matters—our families, our health, and the communities we’re part of. At Victory Wealth Partners, we’re grateful to serve our Mullica Hill neighbors as fiduciaries, helping them navigate both everyday decisions and long-term plans with care, clarity, and transparency.
This season often reminds us that financial planning is not about numbers alone—it’s about providing confidence for the future and stability for the people you love. Whether you are reviewing your year-end checklist or simply taking a well-deserved pause, we wish you a peaceful, joyful holiday season filled with gratitude and connection.
If you’d like help reviewing any of these areas as the year wraps up, we are always happy to help.
ASHLEY ROSSER, PRESIDENT
Prior to her career in the financial services industry, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cedarville University.
Ashley decided to make a career change from her ten years within the healthcare industry as a pediatric emergency room nurse to retirement and 401K investment planning. She joined Victory Fiduciary Consulting in 2008 after obtaining her Series 65 professional financial license and went on to earn her AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) professional designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
