8 Money Moves You Must Make Before 2018
Let us be among the first to put the new year on your radar, because believe it or not, there are some end-of-the year financial tasks that you should think about getting started on right now.


In a few months, you’ll likely be inundated with posts, articles and videos about how you can make 2018 the best year yet. But why wait until after Jan. 1 to get your money in order for the new year?
Get the Most Out of Your FSA
“Make sure you book all your medical appointments before the end of the year, before your deductible resets in January (as many, but not all, do). This will also give you a chance to spend any Flexible Spending Account (FSA) money you haven't used yet.”
— Pamela Capalad, Founder & Financial Planner at Brunch & Budget

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
Review Your Monthly Expenses (and Make Adjustments Now)
“Thinking about next year’s goals is always an exciting process. But before you get so caught up in the future, know that the end of the year is a crucial time to assess if you're paying way too much on your monthly expenses.
“Reviewing your insurance policies (life, auto, homeowner's), household bills and other expenses can often reveal areas where you can save big in the coming year.”
— Jeff Rose, CFP® of Alliance Wealth Management, LLC
Look into Tax-Loss Harvesting
“Reduce your taxes on investment gains. While you shouldn’t undercut your investment plan or goals to reduce taxes, tax-loss harvesting is when you offset the taxable capital gains that you’ve had throughout the year on your investments by selling investments that have lost value.
“The realized capital losses help to reduce the taxes owed on the gains. This has to be done by Dec. 31.”
— Mary Beth Storjohann, CEO & Founder of Workable Wealth
Build a Better Budget
“It doesn't matter if you’re a thousandaire or a millionaire: Everyone needs a budget. If you’re not sure where your money is going, the solution is the b-word. Budget! Commit the last few months of the year on figuring out the best budget or cash-flow program for you and your family so you can start 2018 on the right financial track. The best budgeting tool I've found is YNAB.com.”
— Rianka R. Dorsainvil, CFP®, Founder and President of Your Greatest Contribution, LLC
These experts raise important points and critical money moves to make that can help you grow wealth — and stay wealthy.
But we don't just earn, save and invest our money. Most of us want to help others, and that leads us to mindfully give some of our wealth to causes that matter to us, too.
The end of the year is a great time to consider making charitable contributions to reduce your tax obligation and give back to society. Charitable giving is also a great educational tool and a fun way to get the whole family involved.
Here’s how: Ask your children to research organizations on a site like Charity Navigator and propose a charity to donate to this year.
Not only are you helping to develop good money habits in your kids from an early age, but you're including them in important conversations that can bring your family closer together.
To see the original version of this article, click HERE.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Taylor Schulte, CFP®, is founder and CEO of Define Financial, a fee-only wealth management firm in San Diego. In addition, Schulte hosts The Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast, teaching people how to reduce taxes, invest smarter, and make work optional. He has been recognized as a top 40 Under 40 adviser by InvestmentNews and one of the top 100 most influential advisers by Investopedia.
-
How Grandparents Can Help with Education Expenses
Before paying for your grandkids' education, it's important to consider how to help them without risking your own retirement. Here are 10 things to think about.
-
How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors
Almost no one wants to live in a nursing home. But staying in your home as you grow older can be complicated, according to these experts.
-
I'm a Financial Pro: Why You Shouldn't Put All Your Eggs in the Company Stock Basket
Limit exposure to your employer's stock, sell it periodically and maintain portfolio diversification to protect your wealth from unexpected events.
-
How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Shape Your Legacy?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act removes uncertainty over tax brackets and estate tax. Families should take time to review estate plans to take full advantage.
-
Should You Claim Social Security Early or Late? A Financial Adviser Weighs In
There isn't a wrong age to start claiming Social Security, but there are factors that everyone should consider to avoid leaving money on the table.
-
Three Things Financially Confident People Do, From a Pro Who Knows
If you have any worries about your retirement future, take back control with these three tips.
-
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Financial Professional Breaks Down Your Options
What it all boils down to is will you be comfortable in retirement? Some people may rely on formulas, while others just aim for $1 million nest egg.
-
Despite Our Grumbles, America Still Delivers on the Dream: Perspective From a Financial Pro Who's Seen Stuff
Some of us might complain about the state of our nation (and those concerns are legit), but America still offers unparalleled opportunities and mobility that many people around the world only dream about.
-
When You Need Capital Quickly, Think 'Ready, Set, Fund': A Financial Adviser's Strategy
Investors must be able to free up cash to meet short-term needs from time to time. This strategy will help you access capital without derailing your long-term goals.
-
I'm an Estate Planner: Moving Family Assets to a Safe Haven Abroad Could Be a Huge Headache for Your Heirs
In troubled times like these, wealthy clients may seek financial refuge outside of the U.S. But that could cause more tax and estate problems than it solves.