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There’s a moment every October when the air shifts, not in temperature (we’re in Texas after all!), but in energy.

I’ve always loved the holidays, the scents, the sparkle, the anticipation. October is the unofficial start of that magical season. Pumpkins appear on porches, calendars start filling with gatherings, and the world shifts into that warm glow that reminds us to pause and savor the good. Plus, it’s no longer 100°F in Texas.

This year, like every year, my boys are counting down to Halloween. This is Thomas’s first Halloween trick-or-treating with Zachary and me. I loved watching Zachary look out for his little brother and make sure that if the limit was 3 pieces of candy, he grabbed six so he could put 3 of them into his baby brother’s bag. The adults got a kick out of him explaining why he needed six pieces of candy. And like every year, I’ve held onto my favorite mom-hack: dual-purpose costumes. And yes, I consider that a financial planning win!

Their costumes double as pajamas, which means:

• ✔️ They stay cozy
• ✔️ They look adorable
• ✔️ I save money
• ✔️ And they get weeks of use out of something that usually lasts one night

(Expect a picture. I can’t help myself, I’m a proud momma.)

These little moments, costumed giggles, fall evenings, family routines, are the heartbeat of the season. But they’re also the moments where planning quietly works behind the scenes. Because when your financial life is clear and organized, you have more space to soak in the things that matter.

The Season of Joy… and the Season of Surprises

Between October and December, most families experience:

• More spending
• More scheduling
• More giving
• More travel
• More “Wait… did we budget for that?”

The holidays can create incredible memories, but they can also create financial stress if you walk into them unprepared. The good news? A little intentional planning in October can make the next three months feel lighter, easier, and more joyful.

Few things steal joy faster than having your mind somewhere else, especially on financial worries. Follow me on social media, I like to provide Thrifty Tips on Tuesday to help you. You never know what’s in store; sometimes I even have a recipe to share. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X for my Thrifty Tip Tuesdays. Honestly, sharing those tips is a favorite part of my week.

That’s why I created something special for you:

Why October Matters

Think of October as the quiet pause before the rush. In the coming weeks, I will find myself with an agenda full of not just business responsibilities but also family events, endless lists, holiday planning, school breaks, and all the activities that come with keeping two little boys entertained. If I don’t write things down, I will lose track of them.

It’s the perfect moment to check in on things like:

• Are you on track for retirement contributions?
• Does your spending plan need a holiday adjustment?
• Is there appreciated stock you’d rather gift than sell?
• Should you update beneficiaries before the year ends?
• Are you maximizing opportunities available to TAMU employees?
• Are you considering all the December 31 tax deadlines?

A 30-minute review now can save hours, and money, later.

Planning with Purpose, Enjoying with Grace

The holidays mean something different for every family.

For mine, it’s laughter, matching PJs, homemade treats, and long drives looking at Christmas lights. We must drive down Santa Claus Lane at Central Park 50 times every night on our way home as soon as the City of College Station makes them go live. We are fortunate that the city sponsors this every year, as it’s a nice little treat for us during the holidays. It doesn’t require that much more effort to exit the highway on our way home and drive through, and best of all, it costs $0. For others, it’s hosting everyone at once or trying to keep costs reasonable while still creating magic.

It’s small rituals like this that remind me why clarity and simplicity in your financial life matter, they make room for joy.

No matter what the holidays look like for you, one truth holds:

Joy feels bigger when your financial life feels stable.

If you’d like help preparing for the end of the year, or want someone to walk through your year-end strategy checklist with you, I’d love to be a resource.

Here’s to a season full of joy, clarity, and peace.

And yes… here are my boys in their Halloween costumes:

Frequently Asked Questions

What financial moves should I make before December 31?

A good year-end review covers whether you are on track with retirement contributions, whether your spending plan needs a holiday adjustment, whether you have appreciated stock you would rather gift than sell, whether your beneficiaries need updating, what opportunities are available if you are a TAMU employee, and which December 31 tax deadlines apply to you. A 30-minute review now can save hours and money later.

Why is October a good time to start year-end financial planning?

October is the quiet pause before the holiday rush. Between October and December, most families see more spending, scheduling, giving, and travel, and a little intentional planning now can make the next three months feel lighter and more joyful rather than stressful.

What year-end financial opportunities do TAMU employees have?

TAMU employees have several supplemental savings options to review before year-end, including 403(b), ORP, TDA, and Roth contributions, each with its own December 31 or plan deadline. Coordinating these is one of the clearer ways to make the most of your benefits.

How can I reduce financial stress during the holidays?

The biggest lever is preparing before the season begins. When your financial life is clear and organized, spending, gifting, and travel decisions feel intentional rather than reactive, which leaves more room to enjoy the moments that matter.

Disclosure

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

This material is for educational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax professional for personalized guidance.