Ah, the holidays. A magical time of year that brings families and friends together—and ranks highest in consumer spending. As you finalize your holiday travel plans, plan for holiday festivities (and shopping) and reflect on 2015, make sure to carve out time for your year-end financial review. Not only will it help you assess your financial activities and progress, but a thorough assessment can help better prepare for the year ahead.
Taylor Schulte, CFP® is founder and CEO of Define Financial, a San Diego-based fee-only firm. He is passionate about helping clients accumulate wealth and plan for retirement.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
6 Changes to IRAs, 401(k)s and HSAs in 2026Changes to IRAs — Roth and traditional — and 401(k)s may mean more money for you in retirement.
-
Turkey, Tariffs, and Grocery Taxes: The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner This YearFood Taxes For some who celebrate, Thanksgiving can mean a full table, family, and a sense of gratitude. But in 2025, it also means a focus on the bottom line.
-
Still Working While Receiving Social Security? A Financial Adviser's Guide to the Earnings TestIf you haven't reached your full retirement age yet, your Social Security check could take a hit, depending on how much you earn.
-
I'm an Attorney and a CPA: Charitable Giving Just Got a Little Easier, But Also a Little HarderThe OBBB shakes up charitable deductions with a little help for non-itemizers and a new challenge for itemizers this holiday season.
-
This HECM-QLAC Power Move Can Unlock Guaranteed Retirement IncomeCombining a qualified longevity annuity contract (QLAC) with a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) can significantly boost your retirement income and more.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Coast FI Planning Could Be High Earners' Secret Retirement Weapon in the AI AgeA subset of the FIRE movement, Coast FI can help executives figure out whether their investments are enough to 'coast' so they can retire early and comfortably.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: To Beat Inflation and Build Wealth, This Is the Strategy You NeedIf you want to build long-term wealth, there's a tried-and-trusted strategy, and it starts with recognizing the inflation-busting power of equities.
-
I'm the CEO of a Credit Union: This Is What We Do to Earn Our Members' TrustWhat people want most from their financial institutions is a financial partner that listens, responds and acts with their best interests at heart.
-
Sharpening Your Focus: 'Hone' Authors on How Leaders Can Keep Their Businesses on TrackBusiness owners like this chef could learn valuable lessons from 'Hone,' including how caving in to pressure to quickly expand could lead to business 'drift.'
-
Your Four-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom, From a Financial PlannerYes, you can achieve financial independence, even if it seems elusive. While it may not be an easy journey, these are the steps to get things rolling.
