Looking for practical Texas banking tips as you wrap up the year? Check out our year-end financial checklist to help you stay on track with your financial goals while also planning ahead for 2026.
Review your 2025 goals
Before you start thinking about 2026, reflect on how you've handled your finances over the past year. Whether you set formal goals or handled things month by month, consider what worked well and what didn't. Also remember to incorporate both surprise expenses and year-end bonuses or raises into your 2026 plan.
Maximize tax-advantaged contributions
There's still time to lower your taxable income for 2025 before April 15 rolls around. If you haven't met your maximum contribution limits for tax-advantaged accounts, consider prioritizing those savings plans before the end of the year. These include retirement accounts (such as 401ks and IRAs), 529 education accounts, and health savings accounts (HSAs).
Optimize your banking accounts
Using the right checking and savings accounts can help you manage your money more effectively. Look for options that come with low or no fees along with competitive interest rates. ACU of Texas offers a range of member-friendly accounts that come with free online and mobile banking.
Look for policy discounts
The end of the year is the perfect time to review your auto and homeowners insurance policies. You're not locked into the same insurer year in and year out. Instead, shop around for a better deal, whether it's through a cheaper premium or better coverage. You'll protect your budget and your most expensive assets.
Check your credit report
Close out 2025 with a clear picture of where your credit stands. ACU of Texas members have access to our free Credit Score tool so you can look at both your report and your score. Check that all of your credit card, personal loan, and credit line balances are correct and that there are no fraudulent accounts under your name.
Then use your personalized credit score action plan to understand what factors could be hurting your credit. From there, you can figure out your next steps to improve your credit in the months ahead.
Make charitable contributions
The end of the year is an important time for charitable giving; in fact 30% of all donations happen in the month of December*. If you plan to give to a charity, it's a good time to help them plan for the year ahead. And if you itemize your tax deductions, your donations can reduce your taxable income.
Also consider your giving plans for next year, even if you don't itemize your taxes. Starting in 2026, taxpayers who don't itemize can also deduct some charitable gifts: up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples who file jointly.
Finish out 2025 Texas strong
December is a busy time of year, but it's worth going through this year-end checklist to maximize your financial well-being before ringing in 2026. ACU of Texas is here to help. Either log into online banking or stop by a branch to get started.
* source: https://nonprofitssource.com/online-giving-statistics/
