Episode Details

In this episode of Wealth Strategies Unleashed, Robert Gilliland & Karen Heider walk through a simple, practical “start the year right” checklist — beginning with a review of your plan, your goals, and the few key areas that tend to create the biggest surprises later.

They cover:

• Step one: review your financial plan + goals
  Revisit what you said you wanted last year. Did you hit the mark? Do the goals still matter? What needs to change and what should you be optimistic about as the year starts?
• If you’re still working: don’t wait to fund the year
  IRA/HSA/401(k) contributions are one of the easiest wins early in the year, not because you can “time the market,” but because time in the market beats timing the market.
• Tax season prep: get ahead of the scramble
  Look at realized gains, prep your document checklist early, and evaluate whether withholding/estimated payments need adjusting especially if you’re taking retirement distributions.
• Estate planning isn’t “set it and forget it”
  They emphasize reviewing wills/trusts/executors and beneficiary designations across accounts because life changes, people change, and outdated paperwork creates real problems.
• Portfolio + risk check after strong market years
  Good years can quietly shift your risk exposure. This is a smart time to rebalance, reduce emotional decision-making, and make sure allocations still match your actual risk tolerance.
• Don’t forget “life risk”
  The conversation expands beyond investments: homeowners/auto/umbrella/life insurance coverage should be reviewed as your family, income, and responsibilities evolve.

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The information contained herein is intended to be used for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but are intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussio