Financial Services Calendar 2025 (U.S.)

Distinguishing my services from those of other advisors is a financial calendar. This tool acts as a roadmap for my collaborative efforts with my clients' finances, detailing the essential steps to ensure each meeting contributes significantly to reaching financial fitness goals in 2025. Also below are important dates to keep in mind.

While I may not be able to provide these services to you now, it's a good reminder of what a financial advisor should be reviewing with you. If you don't have an advisor, these are some great topics to research with important date reminders. If you are interested in discussing how I can be of service, feel free to email me at [email protected] to setup a free initial consultation.

Winter Season

Task 1: Tax Summary Letter – Provide clients with a summary of all tax-related transactions that occurred in the previous tax year. This letter serves as a reference when filing taxes in the current year.

Task 2: Request Pay Stubs, Benefits, Salary, Expenses, Cash Levels – This information is requested at the beginning of the year so that updated data can be used to refresh the financial plan for the Spring Meeting season and to also provide special recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

Task 3: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) & Cash Flow Planning – Calculate RMD amounts based on client preferences and the latest available account values as of December 31st. Perform asset location tax analysis then set up optimal monthly or annual distributions from designated accounts. Perform Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) before taking RMDs to maximize tax efficiency.

Task 4: Roth Conversions & IRA Distribution Planning – Review Traditional IRA account values for all clients to identify potential future tax issues. Analyze and recommend additional IRA distributions and optimal Roth conversion amounts for the current year, considering the size of the IRA. Explore multi-year Roth conversion strategies and tax-efficient account distributions when appropriate.

Task 5: Retirement Plan Contributions – Evaluate retirement plan contributions, including IRAs and self-employment plans, to ensure they were maximized in the previous tax year and continue to be optimized for the current tax year. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans and backdoor Roth conversions as well.

Important Date: Jan. 15 – Due date for estimated quarterly tax payments.

Spring Season

Task 1: Tax Return Review & Analysis – Request and thoroughly analyze clients’ most recent tax returns. Prepare a Tax Observation Report highlighting key figures and observations based on the tax return. This report serves as the starting point for deeper financial planning.

Task 2: Financial Plan Update – Update financial plans with any new data received during the previous season. Highlight key figures and projections, such as net worth, guaranteed income, account types, and Monte Carlo success rates. Include the financial planning scorecard to track completed financial planning topics.

Task 3: Spring Review Meetings – Conduct Spring Review Meetings from mid-April to mid-July to discuss the updated financial plans and address clients’ specific financial concerns and goals.

Task 4: Legacy Planning & Estate Plan Review – Review gifting strategies and legacy plan. Discuss client wishes and make recommendations for estate planning strategies and consider potential estate tax issues. Discuss non-financial goals and how the client would like to leave their legacy.

Important Date: March 17 – Deadline for partnership and S corporation tax returns that use a calendar year unless an extension is filed.

Important Date: April 1 – The due date for your first required minimum distributions if you postponed starting RMDs in 2024.

Important Date: April 15 – Due date for estimated quarterly tax payments (2025).

Important Date: April 15 – Your individual tax return must be filed by April 15. It’s also the last day you can make a 2024 contribution to your IRA and Health Savings Account.

Important Date: June 16 – Due date for estimated quarterly tax payments (2025).

Summer Season

Task 1: Continue Tax Review & Analysis – Throughout the Summer, continue to request and analyze clients’ tax returns and provide Tax Observation Report.

Task 2: Ongoing Financial Plan Updates – Continue updating financial plans and scorecards as new data becomes available throughout the summer season.

Task 3: Insurance Reviews – On even years, review Medicare and life insurance policies. On odd years, assess long-term care and property and casualty insurance policies. Determine whether these policies align with the clients’ needs and goals and if adjustments are necessary.

Task 4: Estate Planning – Review estate plan documents, including fiduciaries and beneficiaries. Provide key observations and insights. Discuss gifting opportunities, estate tax risks, charitable giving considerations, and the overall estate plan flowchart.

Important Date: Sep. 15 – Due date for estimated quarterly tax payments.

Fall Season

Task 1: Final Tax Review & Analysis – Send out the final last tax return request and complete any remaining tax analysis during the Fall season.

Task 2: Year-End Tax Opportunities – Explore year-end tax-saving opportunities, such as tax loss harvesting and capital gains management, for all clients. Discuss these strategies with clients.

Task 3: Fall Review Meetings – Conduct Fall review meetings from early-September to early-December. Revisit the financial plan and address any outstanding financial matters.

Task 4: Roth Conversion & Distribution Analysis Reassessment – Reevaluate Traditional IRA account values for potential future tax issues. Analyze optimal Roth conversions amounts for the current year and consider multi-year Roth conversion strategies and tax-efficient account distributions, if applicable. Revisit clients who previously executed smaller conversions earlier in the year and assess whether additional conversions make sense before year-end.

Important Dates: October 1 – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens.

Important Dates: October 15 – The enrollment period to sign up for Medicare coverage opens Oct. 15 and closes Dec 7. Changes take effect on January 1.

Important Dates: October 15 – Deadline for any extension filed with IRS.

Important Dates: December 31 – Required minimum distributions must be taken by this date.

Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or other advice.

There are risks involved in investing, including the potential for loss of principal.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Any mention of specific securities or investment strategies is not an endorsement or recommendation.

Advisory services offered through Financial Sense? Advisors, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Securities offered through Financial Sense? Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. DBA Financial Sense? Wealth Management. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principle. Past performance is not indicative of future results.