We all know the beloved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” with its partridge in a pear tree and ever-escalating gifts. This year, let’s borrow the spirit of the song and turn it into something even more valuable: a practical 12-point financial checklist for year-end.
In Part 1 of this series, we’ll focus on the first six tips, designed to help you stay focused, avoid common mistakes, and make more confident decisions.
1. Savings Starts the Fire
The holidays sparkle brighter when your finances feel steady rather than stressful. Building a strong financial foundation is simple (though not always easy): live beneath your means and establish an emergency fund. Having 3-6 months of expenses in readily accessible savings can help you cover January bills or unexpected costs without derailing your broader financial plan.
You don’t have to get there overnight; start small and stay consistent. Even saving $50 per paycheck can add up over time and grow into real financial security.
2. Invest with Purpose
It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines, hot takes, and trends about “what everyone else is buying.” Instead, start by defining your own goals. Are you aiming to retire at 60, save for a home down payment in the next 5 years, or build a college fund for your children?
Writing those goals down can give your plan direction and help you stay focused when markets get noisy. Your portfolio should support your plan, not someone else’s.
3. Know What You Own
Open your statements (yes, actually open them!). Do you know the companies or bonds you own inside your portfolio? More importantly, do you know what you are paying in underlying expenses and fees?
Certain investment products, like mutual funds and annuities, can charge exorbitant fees, while other, almost identical products, may have much lower costs. Taking the time for a quick annual review of your holdings and expense ratios is the financial equivalent of checking the price tag before buying an expensive Christmas gift.
4. Manage Your Risk
Markets don’t always go up. That’s why rebalancing annually can be so helpful: it restores your intended stock/bond mix and keeps your portfolio better aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
If a particular investment doubles or triples, consider whether it now represents too much of your overall portfolio, even if taking profits generates a tax bill. As JP Morgan famously said, “I made a fortune selling investments too soon!” Don’t let your greed be your downfall.
5. Remember: Higher Return Potential Usually Means Higher Risk
Five lords-a-leaping sounds exciting until one breaks a leg. The same idea applies to investments that promise 15-20% returns. In general, if an investment offers tremendous upside potential, it often also comes with tremendous downside risk.
6. Understand How Markets Move
Emotion can drive short-term market swings. However, long-term returns tend to be more closely tied to fundamentals and an investment’s ability to deliver on expectations. Because of that dynamic, it’s important to avoid letting short-term optimism or pessimism guide your investment decisions. Adopting a realistic, long-term mindset can help you stay consistent, which often supports better outcomes.
A few small, consistent habits and the right perspective can make a meaningful difference over time. These first six tips are designed to help you make more confident financial decisions going into 2026, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance are unique, so the best strategy is one that fits your specific financial situation. If you would like help turning these ideas into a personalized plan, consider working with a Certified Financial Planner® professional for guidance tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
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Marshall Clay CFP, J.D., is a Partner and Senior Advisor at The Welch Group, LLC, specializing in providing Fee-Only investment management and financial advice to families throughout the United States. Marshall is a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In addition, Marshall is a frequent guest on local television stations as an expert on various financial planning matters.
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