Fall Is the Perfect Time for a Financial Check-In
As we settle into autumn and the holiday season draws closer, it’s a natural time to pause — to reflect on the year behind us and the choices that will shape the year ahead. This season isn’t just about closing out checklists; it’s about aligning what matters most with how your capital shows up in the world.
Whether it’s around the dinner table with family, celebratory outings with friends, or in quiet moments of reflection, this is the perfect time to reconnect with your intentions, values, and goals.
Year-End Planning Priorities
Before the year closes, here are several key steps to review with your advisors to ensure your planning and investments work together with purpose:
Annual gifting: If you plan to make gifts to family or loved ones, now is the ideal time — before calendars and deadlines catch up.
Charitable contributions: Completing donations or funding your donor-advised fund early can maximize both impact and tax efficiency.
Gifting appreciated stock: Donating appreciated securities can be a powerful way to support causes you care about while potentially avoiding capital gains taxes.
Tax-loss harvesting: Realizing losses on underperforming assets can offset gains elsewhere and create flexibility for more intentional investments.
Retirement contributions: Confirm your 401(k), IRA, or other contributions are on track, and explore catch-up opportunities if eligible.
RMDs and income planning: Address required minimum distributions early to avoid year-end crunch.
Flexible Spending Accounts and benefits: Review FSA balances, dependent care accounts, and other benefits to avoid forfeiting unused funds.
Estate planning touchpoints: Consider updating your estate plan, trusts, or beneficiary designations to reflect any life changes this year.
Beyond the Mechanics — The “Why”
Year-end planning isn’t just about financial efficiency — it’s about intentionality. It’s a chance to look beyond the numbers and ask: Where is my money working when I’m not watching? What kind of impact is it creating and is that aligned with what matters most to me?
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of assets; it’s an expression of your values. It can support climate solutions, strengthen communities, advance gender equity, and fuel more inclusive economic growth. And just as importantly, it can bring clarity, alignment, and shared purpose to your family.
Bringing Family and Friends Into the Conversation
The holidays offer a meaningful opportunity to sit with the people you care about most and talk openly about shared values, legacy, and impact. These conversations don’t have to be formal — they can start with simple, thoughtful questions:
What kind of impact do we want to have as a family or friend group?
How can our resources reflect and advance those values?
What causes or issues feel most important to us right now?
What do we want to carry forward into the new year — and what might we change?
These questions can transform financial planning from a solitary exercise into a collective vision — one that connects generations, aligns values with strategy, and strengthens the sense of purpose behind your wealth.
Closing the Year with Intention
At Align, we believe great financial planning doesn’t separate performance from purpose — it integrates them. Year-end is a powerful time to make sure your charitable giving, appreciated stock strategies, investment allocations, and tax planning are not just optimized, but orchestrated around your values and vision.
As you gather this season, remember:
Every financial decision is also a values decision.
Intentional conversations can create clarity, connection, and shared direction.
Being thoughtful with your capital isn’t just good planning — it’s good stewardship.
Closing out the year this way means you’re not just financially prepared for what’s next — you’re deeply aligned with what truly matters to you and those you love.
____________________________________________________
DISCLOSURE: The information presented in this post is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the view of any other person or entity. The information provided is believed to be from reliable sources, but no liability is accepted for any inaccuracies. This post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an investment recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Align Impact is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement by the SEC, nor does it imply any level of skill or training.
