top of page

As the end of the year approaches, there is no better time to analyze your finances to ensure you have maximized your accounts for the 2023 year. This may seem daunting to most, as it can be challenging to know where to start. This article offers some important questions you should ask yourself to get the most from your accounts and provides steps to take based on those answers.


“Do you have unrealized investment losses in your taxable accounts?”

If the answer to that is yes, it could be beneficial to realize those losses to offset any gains. There is also a rule that allows you to offset up to $3,000 against your ordinary income per year, with the ability to roll more over to the following year. Although most people would be concerned with losses in their account, realized losses can actually be a good thing by providing a tax benefit.


“Are you subject to RMDs?”

There are many different stipulations around who is subject to Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs. It would be best to ask your advisor if you are subject to RMDs and what the best course of action is to withdraw them.


“Do you expect your income to change in the near future?”

Many options exist to minimize taxes based on whether your income increases or decreases. For example, if your income increases, you may become ineligible for Roth IRA contributions and need to begin contributing through a Backdoor Roth. Minimizing your tax liabilities now would be wise if your income is expected to decrease. On top of this, it would be important to reanalyze your Baby Step 4 course of action to see what the new 15% of your income would be and determine the best way to save for that new number.


“Are you on the threshold of a tax bracket?”

If so, you could implement strategies to defer income or accelerate deductions to stay in the lower bracket. You could also utilize capital gains or losses to optimize your tax bracket. There are also other options to reduce taxes, including tax credits offered for different situations.


“Has there been a significant change that has allowed you to save more?”

If this is the case, looking at your overall situation would be wise to optimize where that money could go. For example, if you have at least three months of expenses saved for your emergency fund, it could benefit you to contribute to that to add more of a cushion to your emergency fund. However, if you are in debt, you will want to consider adding these additional dollars saved to pay off your debt items faster. Or, you may want to consider creating a sinking fund (or multiple) for various projects or goals you plan to achieve in the near future.


“Do you want to start saving for your children?”

There are many different options to save for your children. The best option for you depends on the intended use for the savings and your situation. Some circumstances may dictate that a UTMA is the best option, while some may call for a 529 or ESA.



Since everyone’s situation is unique, there is no “one size fits all” action for these questions. This is why it would be best to meet with your financial advisor if any of these apply to you. Even if they don’t, meeting with a Financial Advisor to ensure you are on the right track to start the New Year is always a good idea. If you do not have an advisor, one of our Financial Advisors would happily meet with you to discuss your situation.

What Should I Consider Before the End of the Year?

December 7, 2023

David Gearhart

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm.  The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience.  The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed.  Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures.

Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. 

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. 

Copyright (c) 2023 Clearnomics, Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, LTD. All rights reserved. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not necessarily complete and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of the information and opinions contained herein. The views and the other information provided are subject to change without notice. All reports posted on or via www.clearnomics.com or any affiliated websites, applications, or services are issued without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any specific recipient and are not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future results. Company fundamentals and earnings may be mentioned occasionally, but should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold the company's stock. Predictions, forecasts, and estimates for any and all markets should not be construed as recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security--including mutual funds, futures contracts, and exchange traded funds, or any similar instruments. The text, images, and other materials contained or displayed in this report are proprietary to Clearnomics, Inc. and constitute valuable intellectual property. All unauthorized reproduction or other use of material from Clearnomics, Inc. shall be deemed willful infringement(s) of this copyright and other proprietary and intellectual property rights, including but not limited to, rights of privacy. Clearnomics, Inc. expressly reserves all rights in connection with its intellectual property, including without limitation the right to block the transfer of its products and services and/or to track usage thereof, through electronic tracking technology, and all other lawful means, now known or hereafter devised. Clearnomics, Inc. reserves the right, without further notice, to pursue to the fullest extent allowed by the law any and all criminal and civil remedies for the violation of its rights.

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers Ranked 6th Best Place to Work in Money Management

Read More...

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers Ranked 6th Best Place to Work in Money Management

Insured to Value

Read More...

Insured to Value

Why Make Backdoor Roth IRA Contributions?

Read More...

Why Make Backdoor Roth IRA Contributions?

Other Posts

bottom of page