Making a List (and Checking It Twice): A Thoughtful Financial Check-In Before the Holidays
As the holiday season shifts into high gear, many families find themselves juggling gift lists, travel plans, and end-of-year commitments, all at once. With so much happening, it’s easy for financial details to fade into the background, especially during the final stretch of holiday shopping.
Before the calendar fills up even more, taking a few minutes to “make a list and check it twice” financially can help you move through the season with greater clarity. This isn’t about adding stress or overthinking your finances, it’s simply about being intentional during a time when spending decisions tend to happen quickly.
Check #1: Get Clear on What’s Left in Your Holiday Spending Plan
By the time last-minute shopping begins, many people have already spent more than they realize. A quick review of what’s gone out the door (and what’s still available) can help guide better decisions over the next few weeks.
This is also a good moment to decide where flexibility makes sense and where it doesn’t. Knowing your limits ahead of time allows you to shop with confidence rather than reacting under pressure.
Check #2: Account for the “Extras” That Add Up Quickly
It’s often the small, unexpected expenses that derail holiday budgets. Wrapping supplies, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, extra groceries, and takeout meals all tend to sneak in during December.
Instead of being caught off guard, consider building in a small cushion for these items. Planning for them now can help keep everything else on track and reduce the likelihood of overspending at the finish line.
Check #3: Take a Quick Look at Year-End Cash Flow
Between holiday spending and year-end bills, cash flow can feel tighter than usual. Reviewing upcoming expenses and income - just at a high level - can provide helpful context for the final weeks of the year.
Understanding what’s coming in and going out helps you decide whether adjustments are needed now or whether it makes more sense to reset in January.
Check #4: Don’t Overlook Simple Year-End Financial Opportunities
Even during a busy season, there are a few financial items worth checking before December 31. This might include reviewing retirement contributions, confirming required minimum distributions, or completing charitable gifts you intended to make this year.
You don’t need to take action on everything, but knowing where you stand can help you avoid missed opportunities or last-minute stress.
Check #5: Write Down One Financial Priority for the New Year
Before the holidays fully take over, take a moment to think about what you’d like to focus on next year. Rather than creating a long list of resolutions, identify just one financial area you’d like to revisit or improve.
Whether it’s saving more consistently, reviewing your investment strategy, or updating important documents, writing it down now gives your future planning a clear starting point.
Final Check: Make Space for a Financial Conversation
If you work with a financial advisor, this is often a good time to schedule a check-in - either before the holidays wrap up or early in the new year. A brief conversation can help ensure nothing important has been missed and that your plan still reflects your current priorities.
And just as a reminder, our team will be out of the office December 24 - 26 and December 31 - January 2. Of course, if you're an out of town client returning home for the holidays, we'd be happy to arrange a time to check-in. Just contact our office to get scheduled.