Get Your Game On

Author: Tammy Doss

It’s that time of the year!  I spent my weekend watching the U.S. Open and then took great pride in the San Francisco 49ers winning a crazy football game!  Knowing I would be busy, I took the easy way out and made a simple meal and super easy snacks.    So, with that in mind, it is time for the kickoff to the Holidays!

Summer is slipping into fall.  It’s time to get serious about a few things and take some of the others at a more casual pace.  Let’s start with the serious stuff.

1. The best time to update your tax forms with any new address changes is now.  Also, at this time you may want to adjust your tax withholding options.  Reminder: if you were married, welcomed a child or have had significant income changes the time is now to adjust accordingly.

2. Time to check your H.S.A. account and 401K deductions.  It's a great time to increase those deductions as you head into the 4^th quarter of the year which starts 10/1/25-12/31/25.  With your tax professional’s advice, this may be a great way to save a few extra dollars and pay fewer taxes.

3. Make an early appointment with your tax professional or check out an online tax agency to see all the 2025 deductions and changes.  You may save yourself considerable time and money by spending a few minutes to check whether you qualify for additional deductions. 

4. If you have a home office, paid for childcare, receive Social Security, have a child who went to college, medical expenses that were out of the ordinary or elder care these are just a few of the items that may benefit you when completing your tax return.

Now, back to the fun!  As you know, the Holidays can be stressful.  One of the best ways to keep things under control is to plan ahead.  Here are a few tips that seem so simple but when you get in the middle of invitations, meals, gifts, decorations and entertainment it’s easy to get distracted.  Get your calendar out!

1. You won’t want to miss a good party, event or wedding during this busy time.  Take a few minutes to block out everything you know about.  Take additional time to block out some down time. 

2. Check out some fun snacks and recipes now and then you can easily pull together a great appetizer or meal.  It’s always nice to bring something homemade, and people really appreciate that extra effort.  If you love a recipe from a friend or relative, reach out and ask them for it today.  They will be busy as well during the Holidays.

3. Keep decorations to a reasonable effort.  Every room does not have to be decorated.  Have the main spaces your guests will be hanging out decorated tastefully.  Bathrooms can have simple hand towels and fun soaps. Keep the festive vibe but don’t overdo it.  Remember, your guests are there to see you and enjoy the camaraderie.

4. Keep the gift giving to a minimum.  Make it yourself.  Keep it inexpensive, meaningful, and fabulous.  No one will ever remember the gift card you dashed out to buy at the last minute.

I’m getting excited about the holidays and year end, and hope you are too.  With the weather changing slightly I feel it is time to assess what to do this year for gifting.  I love everything about this time of the year.  I hope you will take a bit of time for tax preparation and savings and give yourself a break and enjoy the beauty of the Holidays.  Best wishes for a wonderful season shared with friends, loved ones, and family.