Your September Financial Checkup: Five Moves to Make Before Year-End

As the seasons begin to change, September offers the perfect opportunity to pause and assess your financial health. While many people wait until December to think about taxes and financial planning, taking action now gives you more time to make meaningful adjustments before the year comes to a close.

A quick financial checkup this month can help you stay on track, identify opportunities, and enter the final months of the year with confidence. Here are five important areas to review.

1. Review Your Savings Progress

Take a look at the financial goals you set at the beginning of the year. Are you making steady progress toward your savings targets? Whether you're building retirement savings, setting aside money for a major purchase, funding education, growing your investment accounts, or strengthening your overall financial position, September is an ideal time to assess your progress.

If you're ahead of schedule, consider whether you can redirect additional savings toward another goal or increase your long-term investments. If you've fallen behind, now is the perfect time to make adjustments. Even small changes to your savings strategy over the next few months can have a meaningful impact before year-end.

Remember, financial planning isn't about perfection—it's about consistently making intentional decisions that move you closer to your goals.

2. Evaluate Your Investment Allocation

Market conditions change throughout the year, and so can the balance of your investment portfolio. If one asset class has significantly outperformed another, your portfolio may no longer reflect your intended level of risk.

September is a good time to review your investment allocation to ensure it still aligns with your financial goals, timeline, and comfort with risk. In some cases, rebalancing your portfolio can help keep your investment strategy on track.

Remember, investing should be driven by a long-term plan rather than short-term market movements.

3. Consider Increasing Your Retirement Contributions

If your budget allows, increasing your retirement contributions before year-end can have lasting benefits. Even a modest increase can boost your long-term savings while potentially offering tax advantages, depending on the type of retirement account you contribute to.

If you've received a raise, bonus, or recently paid off debt, consider directing part of that extra cash flow toward your retirement savings. Even a small increase today can make a meaningful difference over time thanks to the power of compounding. Your future self will likely appreciate the decision.

4. Check Your Emergency Fund

Life is full of unexpected events, from car repairs to medical expenses or temporary income changes. An emergency fund helps provide financial stability when surprises arise.

Review your current emergency savings and ask yourself:

• Would it cover three to six months of essential living expenses?
• Has your monthly spending changed since you last calculated your goal?
• Have you needed to use part of your emergency fund this year?

If your emergency savings have been depleted, now is an excellent time to begin rebuilding them before the holiday season arrives.

5. Schedule a Financial Planning Meeting

One of the most valuable steps you can take before year-end is scheduling a meeting with your financial advisor. Waiting until December can limit the number of planning opportunities available.

A fall review allows you to discuss:

• Progress toward your financial goals
• Retirement savings strategies
• Investment performance and allocation
• Potential tax planning opportunities
• Changes in your personal or financial situation

By meeting before the year ends, you'll have time to make informed decisions rather than rushing through important financial choices.

Finish the Year Strong

Financial planning isn't about making dramatic changes overnight—it's about consistently making thoughtful decisions that move you closer to your goals.

This September, take a few moments to review where you stand. A simple financial checkup today can help you finish the year with greater confidence and start the next one on solid financial footing.

If you'd like guidance reviewing your financial plan, we'd be happy to help. Schedule a year-end planning meeting with our team to discuss your goals, evaluate your progress, and explore opportunities to strengthen your financial future before the year comes to a close.