As Christmas week arrives, it's natural to reflect on the year behind us—and begin preparing for the one ahead. Whether you're closing out a strong financial year or looking to regroup, the final days of December are a powerful opportunity to make meaningful progress.
At Dreyer Wealth Management, we believe in finishing strong and starting even stronger. Here are five financial habits you can adopt this week to set yourself up for long-term success:
1. Confirm Your 2025 Contributions
Many accounts allow you to make contributions for the current tax year until April 15 - but why wait?
IRA/Roth IRA: Up to $7,000 for 2025, or $8,000 if you're 50+
HSA: Up to $4,150 individual / $8,300 family
529 Plans: Contribution limits vary by state, but often come with tax advantages
Contributing now maximizes your time in the market and helps reduce April stress. Plus, investing earlier may yield higher long-term returns.
2. Take Your RMD (If Required)
If you're age 73 or older, don't forget your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from retirement accounts. The deadline is December 31. Missing it could result in steep IRS penalties.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve satisfied your RMD, call our office today so we can help you confirm and complete it on time.
3. Update Your Financial Plan
Life changes—so should your financial strategy. Did you:
Change jobs?
Sell a home?
Welcome a new child or grandchild?
Retire?
This is a great time to revisit your plan and ensure it still fits your goals, timeline, and tax situation. Even small tweaks can make a big difference in 2026 and beyond.
4. Reflect on Your Spending and Saving
The holidays are festive- but they can also be financially intense. Take a moment to review your 2025 spending:
Where did your money go?
Were you aligned with your values and priorities?
Did your savings grow as expected?
Setting goals for 2026 starts with understanding 2025. Our team can help you create a savings strategy that fits your lifestyle and ambitions.
5. Share the Gift of Financial Clarity
The end of the year is also a time of giving. If someone in your life could benefit from clear, caring financial guidance, we’d be honored to help.
Most of our new clients come from referrals - and they’re often friends or family of people like you. If someone comes to mind, let’s talk. Your introduction is the greatest compliment we can receive.
Ready for a Strong 2026?
Whether it's optimizing your taxes, updating your retirement plan, or adjusting your portfolio, this is the perfect week to take action.
From all of us at Dreyer Wealth Management: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and thank you for your continued trust. We’re proud to be part of your financial journey.