Planning Ahead: Key Financial Moves Before Year-End

By Sean Mason • 09/18/2025

The end of the year is fast approaching, offering a golden opportunity to take control of your financial planning. While financial tasks can feel overwhelming, proactive decision-making is empowering. This article will help you identify four smart, actionable strategies to enhance your financial well-being before December 31st.

Explore Roth IRA Conversions

Roth conversions can be a savvy move, especially if you're in a lower tax bracket this year. By converting traditional IRA funds into a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on the converted amount now, potentially at a lower rate, rather than in retirement. However, it's not suitable for everyone, and it should be an annual consideration based on individual circumstances.

Maximize Retirement Contributions

Don't miss the chance to maximize your retirement contributions as the 2025 limits are set at $23,500 for 401(k)s (plus a $7,500 catch-up for those over 50) and $7,000 for traditional/Roth IRAs (plus a $1,000 catch-up if over 50). By taking advantage of these limits, you can effectively reduce your taxable income while building future wealth. Consider automating contributions to ensure you meet these limits.

Strategize Charitable Giving

Charitable giving is another area to strategize as the year ends. Tactics like donation bunching or utilizing a donor-advised fund can be effective. If you're over age 70½, consider using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA. Not only can this satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) once you turn 73, but it can also reduce your taxable income.

Fund Your HSA

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) come with triple tax benefits: contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. For 2025, the contribution limits are $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families. Contributing to an HSA can be a wise move for both short-term and long-term planning.

Taking a little time now can make a significant difference in your financial outcomes for the year ahead. Remember, not all strategies are suitable for everyone. It's always best to consult with a financial professional or CPA. Evaluate your options today or schedule a financial check-in to start planning smarter.

Investment advisory services are provided through Motiv8 Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Insurance products and services are provided through Mason Street Wealth Management and individually licensed insurance agents. Motiv8 and Mason Street Wealth Management are separate, unaffiliated entities.

This information is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered; it is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Mason Street Wealth Management and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Mason Street Wealth Management’s website and its associated links offer news, commentary, and generalized research, not personalized investment advice. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past performance is an indication of future performance. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Annuity guarantees rely on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. Any references to protection benefits or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products. They do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products or services. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Motiv8 Investments, LLC.

Investment advisory services are provided through Motiv8 Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Insurance products and services are provided through Mason Street Wealth Management and individually licensed insurance agents. Motiv8 and Mason Street Wealth Management are separate, unaffiliated entities.

This information is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered; it is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Mason Street Wealth Management and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Mason Street Wealth Management’s website and its associated links offer news, commentary, and generalized research, not personalized investment advice. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past performance is an indication of future performance. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Annuity guarantees rely on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. Any references to protection benefits or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products. They do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products or services. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Motiv8 Investments, LLC.