Before the year comes to a close, there are some things you need to do before you kiss 2026 goodbye. Doing some year-end planning can prevent you from wasting money and help set you up for success next year. Here are some year-end financial tasks to add to your to-do list.
Revise su presupuesto
Life changes — a new job, a layoff, a move to remote work — can quietly change your spending habits over the course of a year. Look at where your money is actually going and see what adjustments your budget needs.
If you never had a budget, now is a good time to create one. It’ll make it easier to save money and hit your financial goals in the new year.
Establezca sus objetivos para el próximo año
There’s no need to wait until January to set your goals for the new year. Whether you want to start a small business, build your emergency fund, or buy your first house, you’ll need a solid plan.
Experts recommend setting SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. In other words: be specific about what you want, have a way to track progress, stay realistic about what you can accomplish, make sure the goal is worthwhile, and set a deadline.
Consultar el saldo de su FSA
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), check your balance before the year ends. You may lose any funds that aren’t spent by December 31st.
Some employers offer a 2½-month grace period or allow you to carry over up to $680 of unspent FSA funds into 2027. But employers aren’t required to offer either option, so double-check your plan’s rules.
If you can’t roll the funds over, make sure you spend the money before the year is out.
Revise su informe de crédito
Monitoring your credit is an important part of managing your finances. Good standing means better interest rates when you apply for a loan — and lower rates mean more money saved.
Reviewing your credit report shows you what lenders see, helps prevent identity theft, and lets you catch and dispute mistakes. If it’s been a while since you checked yours, do it now.
All three bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian — now offer permanent free weekly credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Actualice los beneficiarios de sus cuentas
Life can change anytime, often when you least expect it. If your family situation has changed recently, update the beneficiaries on your accounts so your assets go to the right people.
Do this for your bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and annuities.
Get health coverage for 2027
No health insurance? Now is the time to get coverage for 2027.
For most states, Marketplace open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. If you enroll between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027, coverage starts February 1, 2027.
To apply for Marketplace coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
Diseña un plan para saldar tu deuda
The average American now carries around $6,600 in credit card debt. If that sounds like you, it’s time to build a plan to turn things around.
Start by cutting off new borrowing — no more swiping the card or taking out new loans. Then track your spending and look for ways to trim expenses. Once you know where your money is going, decide how you’ll pay off the debt.
Some people use the snowball method (smallest balances first), while others prefer the avalanche method (highest interest rate first). Either works — pick whichever keeps you motivated.
If you have a high-interest card with a manageable balance, look into transferring it to a card with a 0% introductory rate. This can help you pay off the balance faster, but read the fine print — there’s usually a balance transfer fee, and the rate jumps once the introductory period ends.
Organícese para la próxima temporada de impuestos
Missing receipts can cost you valuable tax breaks. Use our tax prep checklist to start getting organized for the upcoming tax season now.
Having everything you need ready to go will save you time and stress, and make it easier to claim the tax credits and deductions you qualify for.
File your taxes fast, ez, and stress-free.
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