Tip of the Month | September 2026

Fall Financial Cleanup: 5 Things to Review

Written By: Brian Ellenbecker, CFP®, EA, CIMA®, AEP®, CPWA®, CLTC®

As summer winds down and routines settle back in, September is a great time to give your finances a quick fall clean-up. A little organization now can help you identify planning opportunities and avoid a year-end scramble. Here are a few items worth reviewing:

Check your beneficiaries. Make sure the beneficiaries listed on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, and other accounts still reflect your wishes, particularly if you’ve experienced a major life change (death in the family, marriage/divorce, etc.).

Review your year-to-date taxes. Changes in income, investment gains, retirement distributions, deductions or other circumstances could affect your tax picture. Now is a good time to determine whether any adjustments or planning strategies should be considered before December 31.

Look ahead at charitable giving. If you plan to make charitable gifts this year, consider whether strategies such as gifting appreciated securities, using a donor-advised fund, or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA may be appropriate.

Revisit your cash reserves. Take a look at upcoming expenses and make sure you have an appropriate amount set aside in a safe, liquid account for short-term needs.

Check in on your estate plan. Confirm that your will, trust, powers of attorney, and other important documents are current and that you know where the latest copies are stored.

You don’t need to tackle everything at once. A quick financial checkup this fall can help make the final months of the year more productive and give you confidence that your financial plan continues to reflect what matters most to you.