Season of Giving, Season of Growth
Making the Most of Your Money and Meaning This Holiday Season
By Melinda Adams, Financial Advisor, CEPA®
The holidays have a way of bringing out the best in us. The lights twinkle a little brighter, our hearts grow a little fuller, and suddenly we’re reminded of what really matters—faith, family, friends, and giving back. But while we’re wrapping gifts and setting the table for another round of “just one more piece of pie,” it’s also the perfect time to wrap up our finances for the year and set the stage for a strong start to 2026.
This season, take a moment to reflect not only on what you’ll give to others, but what you can give to yourself in the areas of clarity, confidence, and financial peace of mind.
Give with Intention
Giving is one of the most joyful parts of the holidays. Whether you’re supporting a favorite local charity, donating to your church, or giving through a donor-advised fund, intentional generosity can make a lasting impact not only for others but for your financial plan.
If you itemize deductions, charitable gifts made before December 31 may reduce your taxable income. If you’re over 70½, you can make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a nonprofit to satisfy your required minimum distribution and avoid taxes on the withdrawal.
Pro tip: “Bunch” several years of giving into one to maximize deductions, then take the standard deduction the next year. It’s a smart way to give strategically while making every dollar count.
Reflect Before You Reset
Before the champagne pops on New Year’s Eve, take time to review your financial picture. Ask yourself:
Did I spend money in alignment with my values this year?
Am I saving and investing in what truly matters most to me?
Do I feel prepared for my future as well as the unexpected?
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your 401(k) or IRA contributions, check beneficiaries, and rebalance your portfolio. Think of it as financial self-care—a quick tune-up that keeps your money working for you.
Plan Now, Thank Yourself Later
As you move from holiday sparkle into the fresh energy of January, small steps now can set the tone for a thriving 2026:
Maximize retirement contributions before year-end.
Harvest investment losses to offset capital gains.
Meet with your financial advisor or CPA to discuss taxes, giving strategies, or family gifts.
You can also give up to $18,000 per person in 2025 without affecting your lifetime exemption—perfect for funding college accounts or helping family members get ahead.
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy
Financial planning doesn’t have to feel heavy or restrictive. It’s about creating freedom and joy knowing you’re living intentionally and giving generously without guilt or worry. So yes, buy the matching pajamas, bake the cookies, and savor the laughter. The best financial plans make room for both the future and the present.
Start 2026 with Purpose and Prosperity
As this year closes, think about how you’ll build wealth with purpose in 2026 by investing intentionally, growing your net worth, and aligning your money with your mission. Maybe it’s expanding your portfolio, creating new income streams, or finally implementing a tax-efficient wealth strategy that fuels your long-term vision.
Whatever your next step, remember it’s not just about accumulating assets, it’s about building a life of abundance, generosity, and impact.
And you don’t have to work on your financial planning alone. Reach out to a trusted financial professional, someone who can help you turn your goals into a clear, confident plan. I’m always happy to be a resource if you’re ready to grow, give, and elevate your wealth with purpose.
A passionate financial advisor, Melinda Adams empowers individuals, families and business owners to align their finances with their dreams. With extensive experience in business consulting, financial planning, wealth management, insurance, and goal setting, she’s dedicated to helping others create a life of purpose and joy.
You can reach Melinda at melindaadams@financialguide.com or contact her at (210) 796-9549. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/melindaadams/
Melinda Adams, CEPA®, is a registered representative offering securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). Supervisory office: 10101 Reunion Place, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 342-4141. M&T Financial Partners is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. Neither MML Investors Services, LLC nor any of its subsidiaries, employees or representatives are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney, legal, or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters. CRN202810-9631829
