What You Can Do to Set Yourself Up for Financial Success in 2025
As the year draws to a close, now is the ideal time to reflect on your financial health and lay the groundwork for success in the coming year. With just 11 days left in 2024, financial experts emphasize the importance of taking actionable steps to secure your financial future. Kathryn McCall, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and financial advisor with CAPTRUST, recently shared her year-end checklist during a segment on KCRA 3.
One critical recommendation is to rebalance your investment portfolio. The strength of the equity markets, which have seen a notable 25% increase this year, invites a careful reassessment of your financial risk exposure. “Now is probably a good time to take a look at the risk of your portfolio,” McCall advised, emphasizing the need to ensure you are not overextended.
Additionally, those who have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) should pay close attention: any remaining balance must typically be spent by the year’s end. Further, individuals who are 73 or older must withdraw their required minimum distributions from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to avoid steep penalties imposed by the IRS.
Looking ahead to 2025, McCall suggests setting practical savings and budgeting goals instead of making generic New Year’s resolutions that can often fall by the wayside by mid-January. "Reflecting on your financial position can help prompt meaningful goals that guide your decisions through the year," she stated.
The importance of wise financial stewardship can also be found in biblical teachings. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse encourages thoughtful planning and consideration, resonating with McCall’s advice to take stock of your finances.
As you wrap up the year, may this serve as a reminder that financial well-being is closely tied to our ability to plan wisely and set achievable goals. Reflecting on your financial state not only allows you to make practical adjustments but also positions you to manage God’s blessings effectively, embodying the principle of stewardship.
Encouragement for Going Forward: Take a moment to evaluate your savings, assess your debts, and clarify where you want to be in the next year. In doing so, you are not just preparing for a successful financial future but also aligning your financial decisions with a purpose-driven life. How will you cultivate abundance in all areas of your life in 2025?
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