October 2026
A Good Time to Look Up
The other day, I caught myself looking at the calendar and thinking, “How is it already October?”
Maybe you know the feeling.
The year starts with plans and good intentions. Then life takes over. Work gets busy. Kids go back to school. A home project takes longer than expected. The business needs attention. Someone in the family needs you. And suddenly, there are only a few months left in the year.
I think that's one reason I like October.
It gives us a little nudge to look up. Not to worry about everything we haven't done—but to notice what's changed and decide what still deserves our attention. And when it comes to our financial lives, a good question to ask is:
Has anything changed this year that should change my plan?
Maybe your family has grown. Your income changed. You bought a home. Your business had a better—or more challenging—year than expected. Or retirement is starting to feel a little more real.
Life changes. Our plans should change with it.
Three Things Worth Reviewing
1. Get ahead of taxes.
Don't wait until you're preparing your return to start thinking about taxes. There may still be decisions you can make before December 31.
Recommended Action: Talk with your tax professional now, while there's still time to act.
2. Don't automatically choose "same as last year."
Open enrollment is coming for many people. Health insurance, retirement benefits, life and disability coverage, HSAs, and other benefits deserve more than a quick click.
Recommended Action: Ask one question: Does what I have still fit the life I have today?
3. Make sure the pieces still fit together.
Investments. Insurance. Taxes. Retirement. College. Your business. Your estate plan.
They're easy to think about separately. But they're all part of the same financial life.
Recommended Action: Pick the one or two things that deserve your attention before year-end. Start there.
Keep It Simple
Good financial planning isn't about predicting what happens next. It's about being prepared when life changes.
Before the holidays arrive and the calendar gets even more crowded, take a little time to look at where you are, what's changed, and what might need adjusting. You don't have to fix everything.
You just don't want January to arrive wishing you'd started in October.
If you'd like another set of eyes on the bigger picture, we're here to help.
Have a wonderful October,
In Alignment with You.