End-of-the-Year Money Moves in 2022

Whether you have already started planning for 2023, it's important to look at your 2022 financial decisions to decide your course of action for next year.

Determining your end-of-year financial health will inform your decisions for the start of 2023.

 

What has changed for you in 2022?

For some, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. If notable changes took place in your personal or professional life, then you may want to review your finances before this year ends and 2023 begins. Proving that you have all the right moves in 2022 might put you in a better position to tango with 2023.

Even if your 2022 has been relatively uneventful, the end of the year is still an excellent time to get cracking and see where you can manage your overall personal finances.  

Keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Please consult your tax, legal and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy.

Do you engage in tax-loss harvesting?

That’s the practice of taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you first paid for them) to manage capital gains. You might want to consider this move, but it should be made with the guidance of a financial professional you trust.¹ Our team, California Retirement Advisors, has been helping clients plan for and live out their dream retirements for over 20 years. Our advisors take the time to get to know each client personally to determine their financial goals, and work tirelessly to help them achieve them. Feel free to contact us today at cradvisors.com or call at 888-643-7472 to request a meeting with one of our licensed advisors.

In fact, you could even take it a step further. Consider that up to $3,000 of capital losses in excess of capital gains can be deducted from ordinary income, and any remaining capital losses above that amount can be carried forward to offset capital gains in upcoming years.¹

Do you want to itemize deductions?

You may want to take the standard deduction for the 2022 tax year, which has risen to $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for joint. If you think it might be better for you to itemize, now would be a good time to gather the receipts and assorted paperwork.²

Are you thinking of gifting?

How about donating to a qualified charity or non-profit organization before 2022 ends? Your gift may qualify as a tax deduction. For some gifts, you may be required to itemize deductions using Schedule A.³

While we’re on the topic of year-end moves, why not take a moment to review a portion of your estate strategy? Specifically, take a look at your beneficiary designations. If you haven’t reviewed these designations for some time, double-check to see that these assets are structured to go where you want them to go in the event that you pass away. Lastly, look at your will to make sure it is still valid and up-to-date.   

Check on the amount you have withheld. If you discover that you have withheld too little on your W-4 form so far, you may need to adjust this withholding before the year ends.

What can you do before ringing in the New Year? 

New Year’s Eve may put you in a dancing mood, eager to say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2023. Before you put on your dancing shoes, though, consider speaking with a member of our team. Small end-of-year moves might help you improve your short-term and long-term financial situation.

By Christian Cordoba
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Founder, California Retirement Advisors