The year’s not over yet. In fact, now is the time to make it count.
Whether you’re looking to boost client engagement, strengthen your marketing, or streamline your operations next year, Q4 is the time to reflect on what your goals are and set up processes to achieve them in the new year.
Here’s how to close out 2025 with purpose and start 2026 with momentum.
How to Reconnect With Clients and Boost Engagement During the Holidays
The holiday season can be one of the most effective times to engage clients and prospects.
Did you know that holiday-themed emails and subject lines see a 22% increase in open rates compared to the rest of the year? That means your messages are more likely to be seen and, more importantly, acted upon.
5 Ideas to Boost Year-End Engagement:
- Reconnect with clients through handwritten thank-you notes or short appreciation videos. Small, personal gestures can reinforce trust and keep you top of mind.
- Invite clients to a year-end review, positioning it as a way to “lock in their 2025 wins” and prepare for new opportunities.
- Revisit cold leads with a short note like, “I know we spoke earlier this year. Let’s reconnect before 2025 wraps up.” Add a scheduling link to make it easier for prospects to get on your calendar.
- Refresh your digital presence. Update headshots, bios, and credentials on your website and LinkedIn. Review your analytics to see which posts performed best, and use this information to guide next year’s content calendar.
- Map out your Q1 content calendar now, so your January posts and newsletters go out smoothly and don’t feel rushed.
Our favorite tip: Client feedback is one of your best marketing tools. Send a quick survey to gather insights on what clients valued most this year, and—with permission—turn positive responses into testimonials or case studies for your 2026 campaigns.
How to Streamline Your Operations for a More Efficient 2026
A streamlined back office means more time for meaningful conversations and business development. The quieter weeks of December are ideal for decluttering, reviewing systems, and preparing your tech stack for a clean slate.
Additionally, research shows that 88% of employees report higher job satisfaction when automation is implemented. So, efficiency doesn’t just benefit you; it also uplifts your whole team.
Ways to Improve Efficiency Before Year-End:
- Audit your systems: Check your CRM, client files, and integrations to ensure data is accurate and synced across platforms—this includes removing duplicate records, updating client information, and archiving inactive files
- Automate routine tasks: Set up workflows for client reviews, policy anniversaries, and service reminders
- Refine your client onboarding experience: Update your digital forms and automated welcome emails to make sure they align with your current branding
- Invest in your team’s development: Evaluate your team’s capacity and training needs, and encourage continuing education, certifications, or new tech training
Our favorite tip: An easy way to enhance your team’s development is to send relevant webinars, especially revolving around implementing AI tools in the financial landscape. These quick hits can help your team stay ahead of emerging trends without requiring hours of training time.
Important Year-End Planning Deadlines To Prioritize with Clients
Some of the season’s most important opportunities are time-sensitive. Use the final weeks of the year to help clients check off these important tax planning opportunities.
Critical Deadlines to Review Before December 31:
- Retirement Accounts: Confirm RMDs for clients age 73+, and review contribution limits for IRAs, SEPs, and SIMPLEs
- Gifting & Charitable Giving: Remind clients of annual exclusion gifts ($19,000 per person, $38,000 per couple) and QCD opportunities for those 70½+
- Healthcare & Medicare: Open Enrollment runs Oct 15–Dec 7. Review coverage, supplemental plans, and any IRMAA impacts
Proactive reminders not only prevent costly mistakes, but they also strengthen trust and demonstrate the value of your ongoing guidance.
Client Insurance and Protection Gaps to Review
The end of the year is an ideal time to review clients’ insurance coverage and protection strategies. Life changes, and new dependents, shifts in income, or business growth can quickly render existing policies outdated. Use this time to revisit coverage, confirm beneficiaries, and make sure every plan aligns with your clients’ current goals.
Year-End Coverage Review Checklist:
- Reassess coverage needs: Review life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and care plans to ensure policies still provide the right level of protection
- Update beneficiaries: Confirm beneficiaries are current and reflect any major life changes that occurred
- Identify underperforming or outdated policies: Some older contracts may no longer serve the client’s goals or could be optimized with modern solutions that offer more benefits for less cost
- Explore repurposing opportunities: Evaluate if existing cash value or stagnant assets could be used for tax-advantaged care funding or additional coverage
- Reinforce your value: Position the review as part of your ongoing service model, helping clients protect what they’ve built while uncovering fresh planning opportunities
Related: End the Onboarding Nightmare: How to Get Faster, Happier Client Starts
Reflect, Refocus, and Set Goals That Stick
There’s no shortage of ways to improve a business, but trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming and stall progress. Instead, focus on what will make the biggest difference using the 3-2-1 Method:
- Three goals for your business
- Two systems or processes to improve
- One skill to strengthen or develop
Small, intentional steps can drive significant change. Our team can help you prioritize what matters most to your business and then turn it into a clear, actionable plan for the new year—the kind of plan that lets you relax and enjoy the holidays knowing that your goals are already in motion.
