Smart Year-End Financial Planning: How to Make the Most of Your Money Before 2026

As 2025 winds down, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive rush — but before you unplug and enjoy the holidays, take a moment to check in with your finances.

November and December are the ideal months to reflect, review, and realign your financial goals. With rising living costs, market fluctuations, and ever-changing tax rules, proactive planning now can set you up for a confident, successful 2026.

At Proper Group, we believe that small, strategic financial moves made before year-end can make a big difference in the year ahead. Here’s how to make the most of your money as 2025 comes to a close.

1. Review Your 2025 Financial Journey

Start by looking back at the year that was.

• Did you achieve the financial goals you set for 2025?

• Did you stay within your spending plan, or did lifestyle creep sneak in?

• Are you saving or investing as much as you’d like to?

Reviewing your spending patterns helps you understand where adjustments are needed. This reflection forms the foundation for setting more realistic, effective goals for 2026.

2. Maximise Year-End Tax Opportunities

Before the 2026 tax year kicks in, make sure you’ve taken advantage of available deductions:

• Top up your retirement annuity (RA) — contributions up to 27.5% of your income are tax-deductible.

• Review your tax-free savings account (TFSA) contributions.

• Submit medical aid and donation receipts for possible tax relief.

A quick meeting with your Proper Group advisor can help identify overlooked deductions and ensure you enter the new year in the best tax position possible.

3. Rebalance Your Investment Portfolio

Markets have seen ups and downs throughout 2025, especially with global uncertainty and shifts in local interest rates. This makes it the perfect time to review your investment mix.

Ask yourself:

• Is my current risk level still appropriate for my goals?

• Do I need to rebalance my portfolio to maintain diversification?

• Are there underperforming assets that should be reviewed?

A professional portfolio review can help you strengthen your investment strategy for 2026 and beyond.

4. Review Your Medical Aid and Insurance Cover

By November, most medical aids and insurers release updated benefit structures and premium adjustments for the following year. Now is the time to make sure your cover still suits your needs:

• Have your family circumstances changed?

• Are you over- or under-insured on your vehicle or home?

• Do your policies reflect updated replacement values?

Reviewing and updating these policies before the year ends can save you money and prevent unnecessary gaps in coverage.

5. Get Ahead on Debt Repayments

If debt repayments have been a challenge this year, consider making an extra payment before December. Paying down high-interest accounts — such as credit cards or personal loans — not only reduces financial pressure in the new year, but also improves your overall credit health.

Creating structured repayment and consolidation plans can bring long-term financial relief.

6. Set Financial Goals for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, set clear, actionable financial goals that align with your life stage and priorities. Examples include:

• Growing your emergency fund

• Expanding your investment portfolio

• Reviewing or updating your will and estate plan

• Saving toward a major life milestone (home, education, or business venture)

The key is to plan with purpose. Your Proper Group advisor can help you set measurable goals that are both achievable and sustainable.

7. Schedule Your Annual Financial Review

As life changes, so should your financial plan. Scheduling an end-of-year review with your advisor ensures every part of your financial life — investments, insurance, tax strategy, and retirement planning — works together.

It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about building momentum for the year ahead.

The Bottom Line

Strong financial health doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of consistent planning and informed decisions. Before you step into 2026, take time to reflect, rebalance, and realign your finances.

At Proper Group we want to help you plan smarter, live better, and secure your future with confidence.

Ready to take control of your 2026 financial goals?

Contact Proper Group today to schedule your year-end financial review.