As we enter the final quarter of 2025, tax planning should move to the top of your list. You still have time to make smart financial moves that can reduce your 2024 tax bill, boost retirement savings, and strengthen your long-term plan. The goal isn’t just to pay less tax—it’s to keep more money working for you. Use this checklist to identify what to tackle before 31 December.

You’ve seen the phrase “cash on the sidelines” — money sitting unused in liquid accounts, waiting to be deployed. But how much is really out there now? And what’s the tax drag on keeping it in “cash” vs more efficient alternatives? Let’s break it down.

Markets keep making headlines for hitting all-time highs. If you’re retired or nearing retirement, that can feel unsettling. You may wonder if now is the wrong time to invest or if you should pull back. But history tells a different story. Markets reaching records is not rare—it’s normal. The challenge isn’t timing the market; it’s building a plan that works through highs and lows.