The Right Way to Review Your Investments Before the New Year

December is a natural time to pause, step back, and take a look at your investments. Markets change, life changes, and goals evolve — so it makes sense to make sure your portfolio still fits your needs before the calendar turns.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is alignment — making sure your investments support your life today and where you want to go next.

One place to start is your asset allocation. Over the past year, rising markets may have shifted your portfolio more heavily toward stocks or specific sectors. Rebalancing helps restore your intended mix of stocks, bonds, and cash so the risk level matches your comfort and time horizon.

Next, review whether your investments reflect the stage of life you’re in. Busy professionals might focus on growth and automated contributions. Retirees may need a balance between growth and predictable income — without taking unnecessary risk.

It’s also helpful to make sure your accounts have a purpose. Retirement savings, taxable brokerage accounts, and Roth accounts have different tax treatments. How you invest in each type can make a long-term difference in after-tax returns.

Finally, think about behavior. Did market swings this year make you uneasy? Did news headlines influence decisions? Confidence comes from having a disciplined strategy — not reacting emotionally to short-term noise.

A year-end investment review isn’t about making dramatic changes. It’s about quietly adjusting course so you're heading into January more organized, intentional, and confident.

If you’d like help reviewing your investments or aligning them with a broader financial plan, I’d be happy to talk.

By James Blue, Fee-Only Advisor | Blue Advisors

James Blue is the founder of Blue Advisors, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Columbus, Ohio

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the author as of the date published and are subject to change without notice. Blue Advisors is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. Advisory services are offered only pursuant to a written advisory agreement and to clients in the State of Ohio, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other jurisdictions where Blue Advisors is properly registered or exempt from registration. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers should consult with their financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney before making financial decisions.