Top Year-End Investment Tips

This is the time of year to take a moment out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December 31. It can affect not only your long-term ability to meet your financial goals but also the amount of taxes you’ll owe next April. Here are some year-end investment tips that can help prepare you for the new year ahead.

Look at the forest, not just the trees

The first step in your year-end investment planning process should be a review of your overall portfolio. That review can tell you whether you need to rebalance. If one type of investment has done well — for example, large-cap stocks — it might now represent a greater percentage of your portfolio. Your overall review should also help you decide whether that rebalancing should be done before or after December 31 for tax reasons.

Make lemonade from lemons

Now is the time to consider the tax consequences of any capital gains or losses you've experienced this year. Though tax considerations shouldn't be the primary driver of your investing decisions, there are steps you can take before the end of the year that may reduce any tax impact of your investing decisions.

Tips on year-end giving

With the holiday season upon us, we pause to give thanks for our blessings. It’s also a time when charitable giving comes to mind. Here’s a few tips on year-end giving:

1. You may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy.
2. If you make a charitable donation of an investment that's worth less than you paid, you can only deduct its market value, not what you paid for it. Ask your tax professional if you might be better off selling and deducting the loss.

Article prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018; September 2018

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial Services has a partnership with this financial institution to provide financial planning services and solutions to clients. The financial institution is not an investment client of Ameriprise but has a revenue sharing relationship with us that creates a conflict of interest. Details on how we work together can be found on ameriprise.com/sec-disclosure.

This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, accounts or strategies mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual investor. Please seek the advice of a financial advisor regarding your particular financial situation.

Ameriprise Financial is not affiliated with the financial institution.

RBFCU Investments Group is a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.