10 Year-End Financial Planning Checklist


4. Start a Plan to Get Out of Debt

Debt is the number one killer of financial goals. Early retirement, buying a home, paying for college and other large financial goals become more difficult, if not impossible, when you have too much debt.

Getting out of debt can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. It all starts with a plan, and the dedication to stick through the plan.

5. Do the charity

Donations to charities as they are tax deductible, so if the year is ending and you haven't made any charitable contributions or donations it is a good place to start. It can help you pay less in taxes. There are places that take donations of items, and then give you a monetary value for them. Donating clothes that no longer fit you, toys your kids have grown out of, items that you are done with, such as a couch set you replaced because you changed your design scheme.

IRA or 401K- Maximizing your contributions to your retirement accounts at the end of the year is a good idea. The money is usually not taxed, and it means planning for your future. It is a good year-end money move if you do not have a pressing need for the money right away.