{"id":16990,"date":"2024-12-17T15:49:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T14:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/?p=16990"},"modified":"2024-12-17T15:49:22","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T14:49:22","slug":"last-minute-money-moves-before-the-year-ends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/last-minute-money-moves-before-the-year-ends\/","title":{"rendered":"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends"},"content":{"rendered":"<body>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/b42cyiJkpqADNANQzVA8Ea-1024-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16992\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/b42cyiJkpqADNANQzVA8Ea-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/b42cyiJkpqADNANQzVA8Ea-1024-80.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/b42cyiJkpqADNANQzVA8Ea-1024-80.jpg-585x329.webp 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">December is here again. The \u201cember\u201d months came like a thief at night, and somehow, we\u2019re days away from waving goodbye to the year. For many of us, it\u2019s a season of festive cheer, detty December plans, and all the food and drinks we missed out on all year. But between the \u201cone last turn-up\u201d and spending recklessly to \u201cclose the year well,\u201d you might be missing one crucial thing\u2014your finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Sure, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019ve run out of time to fix anything financially. You might tell yourself, <em>\u201cJanuary is coming; I\u2019ll reset then.\u201d<\/em> But here\u2019s the truth: you still have time to make smart moves with your money before the year ends. Whether you want to save on taxes, get your budget in order, or sneak in some last-minute investments, these moves can help you start January on a clean financial slate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Let\u2019s discuss some unconventional yet practical ways to detox your wallet, plan smarter, and end the year strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>1. Prepay Some Expenses to Reduce Tax Liabilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/end-year-financial-checklist_hero_1800x800_v20230606143552.avif\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16994\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Taxes are the silent killer no one likes to talk about, but they\u2019re coming for you, especially as the year ends. If you\u2019re self-employed, a freelancer, or someone with additional income streams, this is your chance to be proactive. Consider expenses you\u2019d typically pay in January\u2014business subscriptions, utility bills, or professional services like accounting or legal fees. Prepaying these costs in December can lower your taxable income for the year and potentially reduce what you owe in taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Imagine getting ahead on your bills <em>and<\/em> saving money on taxes. It\u2019s a win-win. Just make sure you keep receipts and records for everything you prepay so your financial house stays clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/how-to-detox-your-wallet-before-the-new-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">How to Detox Your Wallet Before the New Year<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>2. Lock In That Last-Minute Investmen<\/strong>t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/investment15-1521317601.jpg\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16997\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/investment15-1521317601.jpg 600w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/investment15-1521317601-585x439.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">This isn\u2019t the time to overthink it. If you\u2019ve been \u201cmeaning to invest\u201d all year and are still on the fence, you\u2019ve got a small window to make it count. Look at short-term investment opportunities like money market funds, high-interest savings accounts, or even dollar-denominated investments that can protect you from inflation and naira fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The beauty of this move? You\u2019ll have a slight interest or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/r\/returnoninvestment.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">investment return<\/a> waiting for you by January, which feels way better than starting the year broke and frustrated. Even a modest investment can push you closer to your financial goals in the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>3. Give Yourself the Gift of an Emergency Fund<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"694\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1617270340347-1170x694.jpeg\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16998\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1617270340347-1170x694.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1617270340347-768x456.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">December\u2019s spending habits can be brutal. By January 2nd, most people are scrambling, muttering, <em>\u201cWhere did all my money go?\u201d<\/em> Don\u2019t be one of those people. Before you blow your money on one more outing or buy that last-minute asoebi you don\u2019t need, prioritize your emergency fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Even if you can\u2019t save three months\u2019 worth of expenses in one go, setting aside something\u2014anything\u2014will ease your January stress. Think about it: what if your car breaks down in January, or your rent is suddenly due? A small financial cushion can save you from begging friends for <a href=\"https:\/\/tribuneonlineng.com\/how-to-avoid-needing-urgent-2k\/\">\u201curgent 2k.\u201d <\/a>Start with what you can afford today, even if it\u2019s just 5,000 naira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>4. Clear Out Small Debts for a Cleaner Start<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/debt.jpg\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16999\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/debt.jpg 612w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/debt-585x386.jpg 585w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/debt-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Small debts are like termites. They don\u2019t look like much, but if you leave them unchecked, they\u2019ll eat through your financial foundation. December is the perfect time to look at those <em>\u201clittle\u201d<\/em> debts\u2014the unpaid loans, the money you borrowed for \u201cjust one outing,\u201d or even credit card balances with high interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Pay off what you can before the year closes. If the debt feels overwhelming, prioritize the smallest one first and build confidence in paying off the bigger ones in January. Starting the year with fewer financial burdens feels like a breath of fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>5. Make One Bold Budgeting Move for January<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"694\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/budgeting_1259_815_int-1170x694.jpg\" alt=\"Last-Minute Money Moves Before the Year Ends\" class=\"wp-image-16993\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/budgeting_1259_815_int-1170x694.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/budgeting_1259_815_int-768x456.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Here\u2019s a challenge for you: set a \u201cno-spend January\u201d goal. December tends to leave our wallets battered and bruised, but a no-spend January gives you a chance to reset. Make a plan to only spend on essentials\u2014like food, transport, and bills\u2014and cut out all the unnecessary spending that December made you feel was \u201curgent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">What\u2019s the point? By the end of January, you\u2019ll have saved money, paid off lingering debts, or even gotten ahead on a financial goal. Plus, you\u2019ll enter February feeling like a financial boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/smart-ways-to-celebrate-december\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Smart Ways to Celebrate December<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The Bottom Line: Small Moves, Big Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and reset. While it\u2019s tempting to focus on December\u2019s fun and festivities (which you deserve), your financial moves now can set you up for a stress-free start to the new year. Prepay your taxes, sneak in that investment, beef up your savings, or pay off debts\u2014whatever you do, don\u2019t wait until January to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Remember: <em>a new year won\u2019t magically fix old money problems.<\/em> But taking small, deliberate steps today? That\u2019s how you turn the tide in your favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">So, what are you waiting for? Make these last-minute money moves count and enter the new year with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>RefinedNG<\/strong> is here to help you navigate your finances smarter and stronger as the year closes. Visit us for more money-saving tips, investment advice, and tools to make 2024 your best financial year yet!<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The year may be ending, but there\u2019s still time to make your finances work for you. From tax-saving tips to sneaky last-minute investments, discover how to close the year strong and enter January with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":16992,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4546,362],"tags":[4597,370,4723,278,301],"class_list":["post-16990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-financial-literacy","category-learning-development","tag-financetips","tag-learninganddevelopment","tag-moneymoves","tag-refinedng","tag-refinedpeople"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16990"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17002,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16990\/revisions\/17002"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}