Financial Moves to Consider at the Beginning of the Year

Financial Moves to Consider at the Beginning of the Year

Financial Moves to Consider at the Beginning of the Year

The start of a new year may be a perfect time to take a fresh look at your finances. A few intentional updates now may help you stay on track, reduce stress, and create more opportunities throughout the year ahead. Here are smart financial moves to consider as you turn the calendar:

1. Review Your Income and Spending Plan

Life changes, and so do your monthly needs. Check whether your spending, withdrawals, or savings goals still align with your lifestyle. Adjusting early means fewer surprises later.1

2. Reevaluate Tax Strategies

Before tax deadlines approach, consider opportunities such as Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, or optimizing how you draw income. Planning ahead can help minimize taxes over time and keep more of what you’ve earned.2

3. Rebalance Investments

Market ups and downs may have shifted your portfolio. A quick rebalance can help ensure your investments still line up with your goals, comfort level, and timeline.3

4. Update Beneficiaries and Key Documents

Review beneficiary designations, estate documents, and insurance policies to make sure they reflect your current wishes. These small details can make a big difference for your loved ones.4

5. Confirm Required Minimum Distributions (If Applicable)

If you’re subject to RMDs, make a plan now instead of waiting until year-end. Early planning can help you avoid penalties and open the door to tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.5

References

  1. Morgan Stanley. (2025). 6 financially smart ways to start 2025. Morgan Stanley. https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/financial-planning-new-year-financial-resolutions
  2. Creative Planning. (2025, December 3). Year-End Tax Strategies That Matter: Smart Moves to Make Before the End of 2025. Creative Planning. https://creativeplanning.com/insights/taxes/year-end-tax-strategies-2025
  3. Morningstar. (2025, November 6). How to rebalance your portfolio before 2026. Morningstar. https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance/how-rebalance-your-portfolio-before-2026
  4. Fletcher & Tilton. (2024, January 9). The importance of incorporating beneficiary designations into an estate plan. Fletcher & Tilton. https://www.fletchertilton.com/the-importance-of-incorporating-beneficiary-designations-into-an-estate-plan/
  5. Internal Revenue Service. (2025). Retirement topics — Required minimum distributions (RMDs). https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The material above has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed, and Harlow Wealth Management, Inc. (“Harlow”) makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, which should not be used as the basis of any investment decision. Information contained on third party websites that Harlow may link to are not reviewed in their entirety for accuracy and Harlow assumes no liability for the information contained on these websites. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from Harlow. For more information about Harlow, including our Form ADV brochures, please visit https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.

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