Finish Strong: 5 Money Moves to Make Before the Year Ends

Picture this: It’s December 31st. You’ve closed the books, tied up the loose ends - and you’re smiling.

Because you made five smart financial decisions that set both you and your organisation on a stronger path into the new year.

Whether you’re managing a portfolio, an employee fund, or your own savings, these year-end money moves will help you (and your people) finish strong.

1. Replace It with One Quick Win

Every portfolio or budget hides small leaks - unmonitored fees, redundant subscriptions, unnecessary spend.

The key isn’t to overhaul everything - it’s to fix one thing at a time.

For individuals:

• Cancel one underused subscription (R150 saved)
• Automate R100 weekly into savings R5,000+ a year
• Review your retirement fund

2. Pay Your Future Self First

Here’s a truth: you work too hard to let your money run away from you.

Before Netflix, Woolies, or Takealot get their share - pay you first.

How? Set up an auto-payment into your EasyEquities account. Even R200 a month makes a difference.

You can do it once and let it run on autopilot. You never miss money you never saw - but Future You will definitely notice the compound growth.

3. Know Your Number

Strategy without targets is guesswork.

Whether you’re building your personal retirement fund or managing one for hundreds of employees - you need to know your number.

Ask:

• What level of income do you (or your members) need at retirement?
• How many years remain to reach it?
• Want to retire at 60?
• Need R20,000 a month to live comfortably?

Use the Financial Compass Retirement Calculator to find your number - then work backwards.

• What do you need to contribute monthly to reach that goal?
• What savings rate closes the gap?

When your money has a job, it stops feeling abstract and starts feeling powerful.

4. Make Your Year-End Bonus Count

That 13th cheque or December bonus isn’t “free” money - it’s opportunity disguised as celebration.

Here’s how you might make it count:

• Save half
• Invest 30%
• Spend the rest guilt-free
  

Still enjoy the festive season, but let your bonus reflect the person you’re becoming - not just the one taking a break.

December sales and summer plans can make that bonus disappear fast - unless you tell it where to go first.

5. Give Yourself a 10-Minute Year-End Audit

Light a candle. Grab a pen. Ask yourself:

• What did I save this year?
• What did I spend too much on?
• What do I wish I’d started earlier?

When you see your habits, you can shift them.
And that’s how you start the new year with purpose, not pressure.

Wrap-Up

Small wins beat big plans, every time.
Because success is built one consistent choice at a time.

And the best time to start?
When most people are switching off.

That’s how you stand out.
That’s how you finish strong.

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* DISCLAIMER:
These numbers are example calculations only, based on an assumed 10% annual growth rate over time (compounded). Returns are not guaranteed and actual results can vary based on market conditions, fees, and investment choices.