Why a Year-End Portfolio Review Could Save Your Retirement

Why a Year-End Portfolio Review Could Save Your Retirement

Retirement doesn’t mean your investments can run on autopilot. In fact, one of the most important steps you can take each year is a year-end portfolio review — especially if you’re retired or nearing retirement.

Think of it like a financial health checkup. You wouldn’t skip your annual physical, right? The same goes for your money.

This simple review can help you protect your nest egg, reduce unnecessary risk, and ensure your investments are still aligned with your goals — not the markets’ mood swings.

1. Revisit Your Risk Level

Market conditions change, and so do you. The level of risk that felt fine five years ago might feel uncomfortable now that you’re relying on your savings for income.

If your portfolio still looks like it did when you were working — heavy on stocks, light on protection — it may be time to rebalance.

Ask yourself:

• How much of my money is at risk if the market drops 10%?
• Could I still cover my income needs if that happened?

A balanced mix of growth and protection can help your savings last longer and smooth out the bumps.

2. Check Your Asset Allocation

Your asset allocation — the blend of stocks, bonds, annuities, and cash — is the single biggest driver of long-term results.

Over time, market gains can throw this balance off. For example, if stocks had a strong year, they might now make up a larger share of your portfolio than you planned. That means more risk than you intended.

A year-end review is the perfect time to rebalance — trimming back winners, adding to underweighted areas, or shifting some assets into safer, income-producing vehicles if you’re nearing distribution age.

Smart move: Set target percentages for each asset class and rebalance annually to stay disciplined and consistent.

3. Evaluate Your Income Sources

For retirees, income isn’t just about returns — it’s about reliability. Review all the ways money comes in each month:

• Social Security
• Pensions
• Investment withdrawals
• Annuities or guaranteed income products

Ask:

• Is my income sustainable if markets stay volatile?
• Do I need to lock in more guaranteed income for peace of mind?

Converting part of your assets into lifetime income can provide stability and protect against longevity risk.

4. Reassess Your Withdrawals and Taxes

Withdrawals and taxes often go hand in hand.
If you’ve been taking distributions from retirement accounts, check how they’ve affected your overall tax picture.

Maybe your RMDs or investment gains pushed you into a higher bracket, or perhaps you could benefit from realizing some capital losses before December 31.

A year-end portfolio review gives you the chance to make tax-smart adjustments, such as:

• Harvesting losses to offset gains
• Adjusting RMD withdrawals
• Evaluating Roth conversions for next year

The goal: Keep more of what you’ve earned working for you, not Uncle Sam.

5. Prepare for What’s Ahead in 2026

Markets will always have ups and downs, but your strategy shouldn’t swing with them.
As new tax laws and interest rate changes roll in for 2026, now’s the time to position yourself for stability and flexibility.

That could mean:

• Adding more conservative investments to reduce volatility
• Reviewing annuity or bond rates for income opportunities
• Making sure your portfolio reflects your comfort level — not last year’s market trends

 

 

The Bottom Line

A year-end portfolio review isn’t just about investments — it’s about retirement confidence.

You’ve worked decades to build your savings. Now is the time to protect it with smart, proactive adjustments.

By reviewing risk, rebalancing your mix, and checking your income sources before December 31, you can set yourself up for a stronger, safer, and more predictable year ahead.

Tootsie’s Takeaway

“Don’t let your money nap through the new year. Give it a quick checkup — and keep your retirement tail wagging strong!”

Written by Brent Meyer, founder of SafeMoney.com. With more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate retirement and legacy planning, Brent is committed to making financial education simple, clear, and trustworthy.

Disclaimer: SafeMoney.com provides financial education only. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed professional.

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