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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE 25 DEC
A LOOK BACK, A STEP FORWARD Before the Clock Runs Out
Here we are at the ninth inning, the last stretch of the year. It’s that time when we start to look back, reflect, and ask ourselves the question: Have I met my goals for the year? You know, those goals we set out in January, when everything felt fresh and possible. Now that we’re winding down, it’s worth taking a beat to really think about which ones we’ve hit, which ones still have a shot, and which ones might need to be reset, or even released altogether. Because let’s be honest, not every goal holds the same weight once the months roll by. Some of them, when you look back, may not have been all that important to begin with. And that’s okay. The end of the year isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about realignment and asking, “What do I want to carry forward into next year? What still matters enough to fight for?”
feel out of reach by October. That’s when it helps to have a framework that keeps you on track when motivation alone just isn’t enough.
For me, that’s the 12 Week Year mindset. I’ve written about it before, but it’s worth repeating because it changes how you think about progress. Instead of setting your sights on one big yearlong finish line, you break the year into four 12-week segments. Each 12 weeks becomes its own “year,” so to speak, a cycle of focus, execution, and review. Suddenly, your goals are right in front of you, not 12 months away, but three. It creates urgency. You can’t just say, I’ll get to it tomorrow. The deadline is always near enough to push you into action, and you start asking yourself, “How can I turn this quarter into a year?” And when you do that consistently, you get so much more done than you ever thought possible. So, as we close out this year and get ready to dive headfirst into 2026, maybe take a moment to reflect. What have you accomplished? What still excites you? And what deserves to be carried forward? Because even if you didn’t hit every target, the act of staying in the game, showing up, and adjusting your course is where the real growth happens.
And I think that’s true both personally and professionally. On the business side, this year’s been full of tremendous change and growth. We’ve been
through transitions, bringing greater alignment between the old firm and the new. With the addition of Reagan and now Alayna, our team’s stronger than ever. We’re all rowing in the same direction. The acceleration we’re seeing and the momentum we’re building are exciting. As we take a little pause at the end of the year and look toward the next one, there’s a lot to be excited about. We’ve got new faces, fresh
On a personal note, I just turned 60 this year. That means I’ve got five more years to hit my “March to a Million” goal. It’s a big one, but hey, that’s what keeps it fun. Big goals keep us hungry, focused, and looking forward.
goals, and a renewed sense of direction. There’s this energy in the air, and I can’t wait to share more of what’s coming in the months ahead.
So, stay tuned. There’s a lot of exciting stuff coming: new projects, faces, and momentum. We’re just getting started. The year may be winding down, but the horizon’s bright, and the best chapters are still ahead.
But, of course, staying motivated isn’t always easy. Life happens, circumstances shift, and goals that felt crystal clear in January start to
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT ADVOCATE WEALTH SOLUTIONS, AND WHAT DO YOU DO HERE? I have been working at the firm since the beginning of August 2025. I am an attorney licensed in both Ohio and Indiana. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The most rewarding part of my job is helping clients get their life wishes and estate plans in order, so they don’t have to worry about something happening to them and having no plans. It makes me happy to know we are helping take a weight off of their shoulders and helping their families. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE HESITANT ABOUT CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN? Getting an estate plan done is one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones since it gives you control over what happens to your assets, health care, financials, family well-being, and more. Most of the time, people are shocked with how simple the process is to get an estate plan started and completed and wish they had gotten it out of the way sooner. Getting to Know Alayna Degenhardt STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
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END-OF-YEAR TAX TIPS FOR INVESTORS DON’T WAIT UNTIL APRIL
As the year winds down, many people are busy with holiday shopping and travel plans, but smart investors know this is also the perfect time to fine-tune their portfolios and reduce their tax burden. A few proactive steps before Dec. 31 can make a meaningful difference when tax season rolls around. Here are some savvy moves to consider before the year ends. Review your portfolio for tax-loss harvesting. Start by taking a close look at your portfolio. Have you realized any capital gains this year? If so, you may be able to offset those gains by selling investments that have lost value. This strategy, known as tax-loss harvesting, can help reduce your taxable income. For example, if you sold a stock for a $5,000 gain but another for a $5,000 loss, the two cancel each other out, meaning no capital gains tax is due. Just be careful of the wash- sale rule, which prevents you from buying the same (or a “substantially identical”)
investment within 30 days before or after the sale. Violating that rule means you can’t claim the loss. Max out retirement contributions. Your retirement accounts are more than just long-term savings vehicles. They’re powerful tax tools. Contributions to traditional 401(k)s and IRAs can reduce your taxable income for the year, while Roth accounts offer tax-free growth in the future. If you haven’t hit your contribution limits yet, consider making an extra deposit before year-end. For 2025, the 401(k) limit is $23,000 (plus an extra $7,500 for those 50 and older), and the IRA limit is $7,000 (plus a $1,000 catch-up for those 50 and older). Also, don’t miss out on any employer match. That’s essentially free money! Time your gains wisely. If you’re in a lower tax bracket or expecting less income this year, it might actually
make sense to harvest gains instead of losses. Selling appreciated investments during a low-income year allows you to take advantage of the lower long-term capital gains tax rates. Give back and save taxes. Year-end is also the season of giving, and here’s a tax advantage to that. Donating appreciated stocks directly to a charity lets you avoid capital gains tax while still claiming a charitable deduction. It’s a win- win for you and the causes you care about. Don’t forget RMDs. If you’re age 73 or older, be sure to take your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts before Dec. 31. Missing an RMD can lead to steep penalties. If you don’t need the funds, consider directing the RMD to a qualified charity to satisfy the requirement tax-free.
SUDOKU
CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE SLIDERS
INGREDIENTS
3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup melted butter 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• •
• • • • • •
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 2 chopped garlic cloves Black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fig preserves
• • •
3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE A publication of Advocate Wealth Solutions, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
INSIDE
Reflecting, Refocusing, and Finishing the Year Strong PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 Smart Strategies to Slash Your Tax Bill Before Year-End Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders PAGE 3 3 Train Trips to Take Today PAGE 4
Tracks and Treasures Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations.
explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper- level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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