red Wrong Way signage on road by Kenny Eliason courtesy of Unsplash.

3 Mistakes We See in Year-End Reviews (That Most People Miss)

Jordan Haddox |

As advisors, we see hundreds of year-end reviews — and the same patterns appear time and again. Most people do a great job saving, investing, and managing day-to-day cash flow, but when it comes to year-end strategy, small oversights can create big consequences. Year-end is when planning and execution intersect — and those who take the time to review carefully often discover small adjustments that can save thousands in taxes or improve long-term outcomes.

Here are three that stand out:

  1. Ignoring Portfolio Drift
    Over the course of the year, markets move — and so does your allocation. A 60/40 portfolio might quietly shift to 70/30, leaving you exposed to more risk than intended. Reviewing your allocation before year-end allows you to make informed, disciplined adjustments rather than emotional ones in January after volatility hits.
  2. Missing Tax-Efficiency Opportunities
    Strategies like Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, or QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) only work if they’re done before year-end. Waiting too long can eliminate your ability to execute these moves, especially if custodians or fund companies have processing cutoffs in December. Proactive communication with your advisor and CPA can help you act confidently before those deadlines.
  3. Disorganized Giving or Contributions
    Many investors delay decisions on charitable gifts, 529 funding, or retirement plan top-offs until late December, when processing times can work against them. Properly timing those contributions not only improves your tax efficiency but also helps align your giving with your broader financial plan rather than treating it as an afterthought.

The good news? Each of these can be turned into a planning opportunity with enough time and guidance. Addressing them early ensures your review becomes an active part of your strategy — not a rushed formality.

At Gaddis Premier, we help clients identify and address these blind spots — before they become missed opportunities.