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With the new year approaching and continued market volatility, both individuals and companies have a timely opportunity to reassess risk tolerance, evaluate financial goals and update their overall wealth management plans. That’s according to Private Wealth Financial Advisors Ira Feld and David Weinstein of the Feld Weinstein Private Wealth Management Group, who note that this moment in the calendar naturally prompts investment planning opportunities.
While volatility may trigger concern, the calendar itself offers its own set of financial signals. December, Feld stresses, is one of the most important months for updating an investment plan.
“Updating the plan is about more than changing a few account values,” he says. “It’s a chance to look at life events that may shift your goals.”
A new child or grandchild, the purchase of a vacation home or simply being one year closer to retirement are meaningful reasons to refresh projections for the year ahead.
Tax planning strategies are another key year-end priority. December is the last chance to evaluate realized gains and losses inside a portfolio. Selling underperforming assets now may allow investors to offset gains taken earlier in the year.
For older clients, it’s also essential to confirm that required minimum distributions have been taken to avoid penalties.
The Feld Weinstein Private Wealth Management Group encourages clients to also reassess their 401(k) deferral percentages, pay down loan balances where possible, and review portfolios to position appropriately for the coming year. Charitable giving strategies may present overlooked tax advantages.
What Companies Should Review Now
December is also a pivotal time for businesses reviewing their retirement plans.
“A 401(k) plan has many moving parts and every one of them needs to work together, or the plan won’t meet its goals,” Weinstein says.
Communication is one of the most important elements. In-person meetings, email campaigns, webinars and online resources all help ensure employees understand the benefits available to them.
Companies should also review the “bells and whistles” of their plans: matching formulas, vesting schedules, eligibility rules, the availability of Roth contributions and the quality of the investment lineup. Upcoming rule changes in 2026 may make Roth options even more critical for employees over 50 making catch-up contributions.
Don’t Overlook Lines of Credit
Finally, Feld and Weinstein encourage individuals and businesses to review debt and lines of credit before the end of the year.
“When times are good, don’t forget to pay down credit lines,” he says. High-rate debt, especially credit cards, can quietly compound and undermine an otherwise sound wealth plan. Balancing contributions to retirement plans with responsible debt reduction can be essential.
“As we head into the new year, the goal is clarity,” Private Wealth Financial Advisor Sergio Collette says. “This is the ideal moment to ensure your plan is aligned with your life, your goals and your tolerance for risk.”
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