Year-End Strategies to Protect Your Wealth

By CCR WM | November 20, 2025

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your retirement strategy, optimize your tax exposure, and make adjustments that can set you up for long-term success. Whether you're focused on growing investments, giving with intention, nearing retirement or already enjoying it, or preparing for the future, these year-end moves can help you finish strong.

Here are five key areas to focus on:

1. Tax-Efficient Distribution Planning

Take your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to avoid penalties.
Consider Roth conversions and tax-loss harvesting.
Review your withholding and estimated taxes.
Review business income structures and state-specific tax issues.

2. Investment Strategy Check-In

Rebalance your portfolio to maintain alignment with your goals, manage risk, and lock in gains.
Evaluate income sources for sustainability.
Diversify concentrated positions and review private investments.

3. Healthcare & Insurance Review

Reassess Medicare options and long-term care coverage.
Update life, disability, and property insurance.

4. Estate & Legacy Planning

Update wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
- Use gift exclusions, fund education plans, and engage your family in governance.
Consider year-end charitable giving.
- Use Donor-Advised Funds, QCDs, and charitable trusts to give with impact.
- Donate appreciated securities and revisit your philanthropic mission.

5. Lifestyle & Spending Alignment

Reflect on how your spending supports your values and goals.
Plan for meaningful experiences in retirement.

Before the year ends, schedule a meeting to ensure your plan is optimized and deadlines aren’t missed. A little planning now can lead to a more confident and fulfilling retirement.

Disclosures:

Cetera Advisors LLC, exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.