Deadlines have a way of forcing clarity, and the final weeks of the year might be the most valuable money window you get. We sit down with Billy Joiner, CFO at Centric, to map out a practical, no-fluff plan for locking in free money, avoiding costly penalties, and starting January on steady ground. From retirement matches to healthcare accounts and charitable strategies, we focus on the moves that deliver the highest return for the least effort.

We walk through the top three actions you can take in under 30 minutes: make sure you capture your full 401k match, update beneficiaries across every account, and review HSA or FSA contributions before deadlines hit. Billy breaks down HSA versus FSA in plain English, including rollover rules, eligible expenses, and how to avoid use-it-or-lose-it surprises. We also dig into charitable giving timing, how a donor-advised fund can bunch deductions for tax impact, and when donating appreciated assets makes sense. If open enrollment feels like a maze, we guide you to compare total cost of care, revisit network changes, and consider disability coverage that protects your income.

Retirees and their families will find a clear reminder on required minimum distributions—what’s due by December 31, the first-year exception, and how to get reliable help fast. We close with everyday money habits that actually move the needle, from packing lunch to cutting drink costs when eating out, plus a call to bring the whole family into the budget conversation so kids learn how money works. Link your accounts in your banking app, track progress in real time, and nudge your contributions now rather than “someday.”

Ready to take action? Pick one or two items from our checklist and finish them this week. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a year-end nudge, and leave a quick review to help more people live better with their money.