Your Year End Financial Checklist
As November settles in and the year begins its final act, thoughtful investors shift their focus—not to Christmas shopping or Black Friday sales, but to something far more meaningful: tidying up their financial life.
Most of the heavy lifting in financial planning comes from big-picture decisions.
But it’s the small, consistent actions—taken quietly and deliberately—that often separate a good investor from a great one.
Think of these habits as the compound interest of clear thinking and quiet discipline.
Before the year-end rush begins, here is a five step practical financial checklist to consider this November.
1. Review Your Insurance Policies and Beneficiaries
When’s the last time you reviewed your policies or checked your beneficiary nominations?
Whether it’s a pension, life cover, or investment account, the people listed five years ago may not reflect your wishes today.
And even if your intentions haven’t changed, admin errors can happen—spotting them now could save your loved ones major stress later.
A 10-minute review could make a big difference.
2. Get Your Paperwork in Order
It’s not about being morbid—it’s about peace of mind.
Is your will up to date?
Do your loved ones know where to find important documents if something were to happen?
Think of this as creating a roadmap for those who might need it. One afternoon of organising could be the most valuable gift you give your family this year.
3. Audit Your Subscriptions and Direct Debits
Those “small” monthly charges add up.
The streaming trial you forgot to cancel, the gym you haven’t visited in months, or insurance on a phone you’ve already replaced.
Take 30 minutes to scan your bank statements and cancel anything you no longer use or value. You might be surprised how much you can redirect towards your 2026 goals.
4. Plan Ahead for Known 2026 Expenses
Is there something big coming next year?
A milestone anniversary, a child starting college, or that long-overdue kitchen upgrade?
Flagging these now gives you time to prepare properly—rather than scrambling later. Even better, consider setting up a separate savings pot for each goal. Future You will thank Present You.
5. Deal With “That One Thing” You’ve Been Avoiding
We all have it.
The pension transfer paperwork.
The money chat with adult children.
The trust you’ve been meaning to look into.
Whatever you’ve been putting off, November is your permission slip to face it.
The relief you’ll feel heading into the new year will far outweigh the discomfort of tackling it now.
Small Actions, Big Impact
You don’t have to tick every item off the financial checklist.
Even completing two or three of these will place you ahead of most people who let the year quietly pass without review.
Taking time now—while others are preoccupied with mince pies and gift lists—reflects something deeper: a mindset of financial maturity.
The understanding that consistent attention to what matters is what truly moves the needle over time.
How We Help
At Fortitude Financial Planning, we help clients cut through the clutter and focus on what really matters—year-end or otherwise.
Whether it’s reviewing protection policies, preparing for known expenses, or finally addressing the one financial task you’ve been avoiding, we’re here to guide you.
Small actions. Clear thinking. Long-term results.
If you’d like help wrapping up 2025 on the right foot, we’re here when you’re ready.
Book a no-obligation consultation today and let’s keep your financial plan working as hard as you do.
📅 Click here to book your call now.
Visit our Insights – A hub of information covering saving, investing, financial planning, protection, and pension advice.
Our blog posts are intended for information purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial advice.
You should always engage the services of a fully qualified financial planner before entering any financial contract.
To discuss engaging the services of Fortitude Financial Planning please email us at info@fortitudefp.ie.
Fortitude Financial Planning Ltd will not be held responsible for any actions taken as a result of reading these blog posts.
Production