5 financial moves you must make before 2026 to build riches, save thousands in the new year

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3. HSA contributions

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is particularly attractive because of its rare triple tax advantage. Not only do you get a tax deduction for making contributions to this account, but the investments can also grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical purposes are tax-free as well (3).

The versatility of this account could be one of the many reasons why it’s so popular. At the end of 2024, there were roughly 39.3 million HSAs in America, collectively providing coverage for approximately 59.3 million people, according to an estimate by Devenir (4).

However, across all age groups, account holders were contributing significantly less than the annual limit for these accounts. Given the current sky-high costs of healthcare in America, it’s a good idea to contribute as much as you can to this tax-advantaged account.

For 2025, the HSA contribution cap is $4,300 for individuals enrolled in a self-only high-deductible health plan, and $8,550 for those with family coverage (5). The deadline for this contribution is generally the same as your tax filing deadline, so you can wait until April 2026, but contributing before the end of the year is still a good idea.

4. Roth contributions

Regular Roth IRA contributions can be done until the tax filing deadline, which is typically in April. However, contributing before the end of the calendar year could be valuable if you’re trying to reduce taxable income for this year, or if you’re executing complex financial maneuvers like a five-year Roth conversion ladder.

You could speak with a financial adviser before the new year to see if contributing or converting to a Roth IRA is a good move for you.

5. Net worth calculation

According to a 2025 survey from The Marist Poll, only 58% of Americans know their net worth, while 21% do not and another 21% are unsure (6).

While the calculation isn’t complicated — it’s simply the difference between all of your assets and liabilities — these variables are often too volatile to track throughout the year. That’s why the end of the year is the perfect time to list all the assets you and your family own, alongside all the debt you may have accumulated over the course of the year.