Another year is almost in the books, which means now is a good time to make sure your financial situation is in order prior to ringing in the New Year. Sifting through the numerous financial deadlines and planning opportunities coupled with the busy holiday season can be a bit stressful.

To simplify year-end management of your finances, here is a checklist of 9 important items to consider:

1. Take Your Required Minimum Distributions

As many of you know, your required minimum distributions (RMDs) are due before the end of the year. If you haven’t taken your distributions already, this is a reminder to check with your tax advisor, custodian, or financial advisor to confirm the amount, tax withholding elections, and instructions set up on your IRA.

2. Max Out Your Employer Retirement Plan (401k) Contribution

For those of you who want to max out your 401(k) contributions before the end of the year, now is the time to do it. Reference a recent paystub (or ask your HR department) to confirm if you’re on track. The goal is to… (Click Here to Read More or Get a Printable Checklist.)

Client Service Advisor Ian Burkhard joined Capital Advantage in June of this year. He is a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and is working to obtain his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Ian is responsible for assisting with financial planning, maintaining client accounts, and the day-to-day servicing of client requests.

Meet Ian

• Hometown: I grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills in a small town called Sonora. I now live in the Sunset District of San Francisco near Golden Gate Park.
• College: University of California, Santa Barbara
• Favorite outdoor activity: During the winter months, I love to snowboard. I grew up riding a smaller local mountain called Dodge Ridge and still get back up there when I can. I also enjoy boarding in Tahoe with friends.
• Favorite aspect of working at Capital Advantage: It’s the team atmosphere and culture. The leadership of Capital Advantage promote a collaborative and innovative culture that values teamwork and cooperation. They create a very exciting and motivating (and fun!) work environment that supports everyone in being the best they can be.

In one of Carl Landau’s most interesting interviews, Mark Linz, former top Bank of America executive talks about how he left banking and co-founded Your Next Season, an organization to help executives transition successfully to their second or third act. It’s been some of the most rewarding work he’s done and he’s truly excited about it! (Click Here to listen to the podcast.)

Capital Advantage is a proud sponsor of the “I Used to Be Somebody” podcast.