7 Things Everyone Forgets to Do Before the End of the Year (Don’t Let This Be You!)

The end of the year is fast approaching! If you’ve been caught up in holiday shopping, spending time with loved ones, or attending festive gatherings, it’s understandable if you feel a bit distracted—no judgment here. There’s still time to set yourself up for success in the new year; to help, we consulted a few experts to share the most common things people forget to do before the year ends. Consider this your friendly reminder!

Pay Rent 

The holidays can become so busy and expensive that you might forget you also have to spend some of your money on rent, says Allie Echeverria, millennial home economic expert. “New Year’s Day is a holiday, so pay rent (and any other bills) by December 30th to make sure they are processed in time and you don’t receive a late fee,” she says.

Stock Up on Food

Echeverria suggests ordering groceries to be delivered on Sunday, January 5. “Set yourself up for January success and avoid crowds at the supermarket.” And if you have time before then, head to your local Costco, Sam’s Club, or other warehouse store to grab what you might need. “Costco on New Year’s Eve is actually very quiet and pleasant,” Echeverria says.

Tip Service Workers

Cash is the perfect holiday gift for just about everyone in your life. “Get cash from the bank to tip the wonderful people providing you with great service throughout the year: mail person, trash and recycling services, cleaning services, and hair stylist[s],” says Lindsey Mahanna, professional organizer. If you’re too swamped to run to the bank, using Venmo, Zelle, or a similar app works just as well as paper money. 

Make Donations 

Why not end the year on a high note by helping vulnerable communities? Mahanna advises making those donations before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Not sure what cause to donate to? Local organizations for animals, foster youth, children’s hospitals, and domestic violence shelters are some good options.

Submit Expenses to Your FSA Account 

Looking to get reimbursed for your FSA purchases? Many of us forget to submit those expenses and end up missing out, Mahanna says. If you haven’t used your FSA yet, now’s the perfect time. Be sure to review your policy before making any purchases, but consider stocking up on essentials like over-the-counter medications (grab that large bottle of Advil for your inevitable New Year’s Day hangover), a new pair of glasses, extra contact lenses, or even skincare products. Fun fact: items with sunscreen, like your favorite moisturizer, are often FSA-eligible.

Do a Financial Checkup 

Financial expert Jen Reid suggests doing a financial checkup before the end of the year. “Review your investments and decide if you want to take a loss on any of them,” she says. She also recommends reviewing Cash Flow to see where you spent your money and how much you saved.

Do you have retirement accounts? “Decide if you want to make any Roth conversions, or if you want to make additional contributions to your retirement plans at work,” Reid suggests.

Be Present 

Lastly, it’s important to try and stay present during these often-exhausting last days of the year. “In the effort to meet all the expectations of the holiday season and year-end, we often forget to be present, says Rachel Lovitt, holistic movement specialist. “We rush around trying to do all the things, but we aren’t really there for them. What if you acknowledged how you are feeling right now? What if you could slow down and be present with the things that you are doing, even if they are fast-paced or for other people?” And if you weren’t super present in 2024, remember a new year means a fresh start and the opportunity to change.