Autumn has a way of asking us to slow down — leaves fall, days shorten, and our energy turns inward. It’s the ideal time to reflect, reorganize, and make the financial decisions that will carry your legacy into the new year.
Before you put up your OOO (out-of-office) notice up for the holidays, use this time in November to plan out your year-end money moves. Why now? We all know what happens once December rolls around: you’re juggling holidays, deadlines, and everyone else’s priorities. This month, get ahead with making smart adjustments that protect your wealth, reduce stress, and set you up to start the new year with clarity and confidence.
- Use Your PTO & FSA Funds
If you have paid time off (PTO) unused or a flexible spending account (FSA) with funds ticking toward expiration, now is the time to use them before you lose them. You don’t have to wait for permission to take time to rest, recharge and reclaim your time. Use your PTO to enjoy breaks!
If you haven’t spent your FSA funds on eligible health or dependent care expenses, you could lose them post-December 31. Go through your FSA summary, tally what’s left, and plan for eligible spending before the deadline.
Not sure what to use your FSA for? Here’s a list from the official website of the U.S. government: https://www.fsafeds.gov/support/eligibleexpenses.
- Get Organized for Tax Season
You know what’s just as stressful as avoiding politics with your family at the holiday dinner table? Waiting until March or April next year to organize your taxes. Set yourself up now by gathering W-2s, 1099s, business expense records, and investment statements.
If you own a business, ensure your books are updated and your deductions are well documented. This is a great time to check-in with your bookkeeper and tax professional to wrap-up 2025 and gear up for 2026. Here are some questions to ask them:
- What strategies should I consider for maximizing retirement contributions?
- Did I capture all business deductions?
- What new strategies should I be looking forward to in 2026 with tax law changes?
The clearer you are now, the less stress and last-minute scrambling you face next spring.
- Set Healthy Money & Budget Boundaries for the Holidays
The holiday season can be both joyful and financially stressful. Instead of flying blind, set spending and budget guidelines now. Ask yourself:
- What gestures matter most?
- Which traditions truly bring joy?
- Where can we scale back without losing meaning?
Establish clear spending limits for gifts, travel, dinners, and charitable giving. Communicate openly with family or your team about expectations. Your financial freedom in the new year depends on the boundaries you set today.
- Prep for “OBBA” (Owner Benefit & Business Access) Rules — or Other Business Rule Changes
If you’re a business owner, “OBBA rules” might refer to evolving regulations about owner benefits, business access, or tax changes (adjust accordingly to what your specific OBBA refers to). Use this time to review business structures, employee benefit plans, and owner compensation strategies to remain compliant and efficient with your CPA and wealth advisor.
- Review Beneficiaries, Estate Plan & Wealth Legacy
Did you go through any significant changes this year with marriage, children, business growth or received an inheritance? When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations, updated your will or trust, or checked in on your estate plan?
Life changes and your financial plan should be a reflection of those changes.
Set aside time this November to:
- confirm your retirement accounts have correct beneficiaries,
- revisit your living will or trust, and
- ensure your business succession plan is aligned with your vision.
Closing Thought
The actions you take this month will ripple into 2026 and beyond: fewer surprises, more clarity, and greater confidence. We want to help you build wealth with intention, and what better way to do that than with more clarity on your side.