Enrollment Season
Year-End Money Moves Checklist
Which year-end money moves have a December 31 deadline and which can wait until tax day.
The sheet in words
Up is bigger impact (on taxes or savings); down is smaller impact (nice to do). Left is dec 31 deadline (this year); right is april tax day (for this year's limit).
Max Out 401(k)
2026 limit is $24,500
IRA Contribution
2026 limit $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+)
HSA Contributions
Can count for 2026 until tax day
Required Distributions
Starts at 73. Missed amount may owe 25% tax
Beneficiary Review
Any time. Do it at year end.
Use Your FSA
Use it or lose it. Check plan.
Tax-Loss Harvesting
Losses offset gains, then up to $3,000
Charitable Giving
Pay by year end to count this year
Dec 31 comes first. IRA and HSA can wait until tax day.
Sourced figures checked October 2026.
Sources
Limits and rules from irs.gov (2026 401(k) and IRA limits, RMD age 73, charitable timing, $3,000 capital loss limit). IRA and HSA contributions for a year can generally be made until the tax filing deadline, usually mid April. A first RMD can wait until April 1 of the next year. FSA plan years and grace or carryover rules vary by employer. HSAs need an eligible high-deductible plan. Your situation may differ. Education only, not investment, tax or legal advice. Sony Ho, Licensed Life Insurance Agent, NPN 18171750 · wealthprohi.com/check
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