As summer winds down and fall routines begin to take shape, it is easy to get caught up in school schedules, football games, holidays, and the busy months ahead. But before the year gets away from you, fall is an ideal time to pause and take a fresh look at your finances.
Think of it as a 90-day financial reset—a chance to review where you are, identify what needs attention, and make thoughtful decisions before December 31.
The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire financial life in one weekend. Instead, use the next 90 days to get organized and turn your attention toward the financial opportunities and deadlines that come with year-end.
Days 1–30: Take Stock of Where You Are
Start your reset by getting a clear picture of your current financial situation.
Review your:
- Cash flow: Are your monthly spending habits still aligned with your priorities?
- Emergency savings: Is your cash reserve still appropriate for your household and current expenses?
- Debt: Have interest rates, balances, or repayment priorities changed?
- Investments: Does your portfolio still match your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon?
- Major life changes: Did you get married, change jobs, buy a home, welcome a child, or experience another significant change this year?
This is also a good time to review your beneficiaries on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other financial accounts. A beneficiary designation can have significant consequences, so it is important to make sure those designations still reflect your wishes.
The first 30 days are about awareness. Before you make decisions, make sure you know where you stand.
Days 31–60: Look for Opportunities Before Year-End
Once you have a clearer picture of your finances, start identifying opportunities that may need attention before the end of the year.
Revisit Retirement Contributions
Check your retirement contributions and see whether you are on track to meet your annual savings goals. For 2026, the IRS increased the employee contribution limit for many 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans to $24,500, while the IRA contribution limit increased to $7,500. Catch-up contribution limits may also apply depending on your age and plan.
If you receive an employer match, make sure you are contributing enough to take full advantage of it when appropriate.
Review Your Tax Picture
Don’t wait until tax season to think about taxes.
Look at your year-to-date income, withholding, investment gains and losses, charitable giving, and other factors that could affect your tax situation. If your income or circumstances changed significantly this year, a conversation with your financial advisor and tax professional may help you determine whether there are planning opportunities to consider before December 31.
The IRS has also announced several tax and contribution adjustments for 2026, making it especially important to review your plan based on the rules that apply to your individual situation.
Revisit Your Investment Strategy
Market movements throughout the year can change the balance of your portfolio. A year-end review can be a good opportunity to determine whether your investments have drifted from your intended allocation.
That doesn’t necessarily mean making a major change. Sometimes, the most important decision is confirming that your current strategy is still appropriate for your goals.
Days 61–90: Turn Your Reset Into a Year-End Plan
With your financial picture updated and potential opportunities identified, the final 30 days of your reset should focus on action.
Consider whether you need to:
- Make additional retirement contributions
- Review tax-loss harvesting opportunities with your advisor
- Complete charitable giving plans
- Review required minimum distributions, if applicable
- Revisit your estate plan and beneficiary designations
- Use remaining flexible spending or health savings account funds according to your plan rules
- Update insurance coverage after major life changes
- Review upcoming large expenses and cash needs for the new year
Some financial decisions have deadlines that arrive before December 31, while others may require additional time to coordinate with your advisor, tax professional, or other members of your financial team. Starting in the fall gives you time to make decisions thoughtfully rather than rushing to meet a year-end deadline.
A 90-Day Reset Can Set the Stage for a Stronger New Year
Your financial plan shouldn’t be something you only think about once a year—or only when something changes.
A 90-day reset creates a simple rhythm:
Review where you are.
Identify what has changed.
Take action where it makes sense.
Start the new year with a plan.
Fall is a natural time to do just that. Before the holidays arrive and the calendar turns to a new year, take a few moments to make sure your financial plan is keeping pace with your life.
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This content is provided for educational purposes only. Commentary should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed and should not be relied upon for entering into any transaction, advisory relationship, or making any investment decision. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice and should not be viewed as an offer to buy or sell any securities.
Any tax information provided is general in should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Information is derived from sources deemed to be reliable. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Tax rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.