The year is officially halfway over, and that makes right now one of the most important times to hit pause, take stock, and make sure your retirement plan is still aligned with your goals.
At CKS Summit Group, we call this your Mid-Year Financial Check-In – a strategic moment to revisit key areas of your retirement roadmap, adjust for any changes, and make the second half of 2025 even stronger.
Whether you’re already retired or on the path toward it, your financial strategy should evolve with your life. Let’s explore why a mid-year review matters and what to prioritize right now.
Why Mid-Year Reviews Matter
Life doesn’t wait for January, and neither should your financial planning. Mid-year is a powerful opportunity to:
- Course-correct before year-end deadlines
- Adjust for market performance, inflation, or interest rate shifts
- Revisit income strategies and tax planning
- Check progress toward your 2025 retirement goals
It’s not about overhauling your entire plan. It’s about making thoughtful, proactive adjustments that keep you confident in where you’re headed.
5 Key Areas to Review in Q2
1. Reevaluate Your Retirement Income Strategy
Have your spending needs shifted? Are market changes affecting your withdrawal plan?
Now’s the time to confirm that your income streams, whether from Social Security, annuities, investment accounts, or pensions, are still working together efficiently. A strong mid-year check-in helps ensure your income is:
- Sustainable
- Tax-smart
- Aligned with how you want to live
💬 Advisor Insight: “Your income plan should adapt to real life, not just market cycles. We help clients fine-tune their cash flow to support the lifestyle they want, not just the one they think they can afford.” — Al Caicedo, President of CKS Summit Group
2. Rebalance Your Investment Portfolio
Markets have been dynamic in 2025, and with volatility comes opportunity. A quick review of your investment mix can help you:
- Rebalance to match your risk tolerance
- Take gains or losses strategically
- Confirm you’re not overexposed in any one area
Especially in retirement or the years leading up to it, your portfolio should reflect both protection and potential.
3. Revisit Your Tax Strategy
Tax planning is a year-round effort. At mid-year, consider:
- Roth conversions: Is now a good time to shift pre-tax dollars to Roth?
- Charitable giving: Could a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) help you give and reduce taxes?
- Capital gains harvesting: Are there smart moves to be made now before the year-end rush?
Being proactive now could save you significantly in the future.
4. Check Your Contributions & Required Distributions
If you’re still working, mid-year is a great time to:
- Increase 401(k), IRA, or HSA contributions
- Take advantage of catch-up contributions if over age 50
If you’re retired, make sure you’ve started or scheduled Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your tax-deferred retirement accounts (like traditional IRAs or 401(k)s).
RMDs are mandatory withdrawals that the IRS requires you to take, typically starting at age 73. Missing an RMD can trigger a hefty penalty up to 25% of the amount not withdrawn.
Stay ahead of the rules and avoid surprises with a quick mid-year review.
5. Reassess Life Changes and Legacy Goals
Have there been any recent changes in your life? A move, a health update, a birth in the family, or even a change in values?
A quick check-in on your estate plan, beneficiary designations, and legacy goals ensures your plan reflects your current priorities, and not those from five years ago.
What a Mid-Year Review Can Unlock
At CKS Summit Group, we see mid-year planning not just as a financial exercise but as a wellness strategy. Because when your plan is in tune with your life, you sleep better, spend more confidently, and enjoy retirement with more freedom.
Our mid-year reviews often uncover:
- Missed tax-saving opportunities
- Portfolio drift that increases risk
- Outdated beneficiary information
- Lifestyle shifts that deserve a financial response
Final Thoughts: Start the Second Half of 2025 With Clarity
Retirement isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it experience, but a living plan. And that plan deserves attention at key checkpoints, like now.
A mid-year review is your chance to ask:
- Am I still on track?
- Is my plan serving my life?
- What should I adjust before year-end?
📅 Ready to take the second half of 2025 with confidence?
Schedule a complimentary check-in with the CKS Summit Group team today.
👉 Visit summitgp.com to get started.
FAQs
Q1: Do I really need a mid-year financial review?
Yes, especially if you’re approaching or in retirement. Markets, tax laws, and personal circumstances change. A review helps ensure your strategy keeps up.
Q2: How long does a mid-year check-in take?
With the right planning partner, it can be efficient and impactful. At CKS, we offer streamlined sessions that focus on the areas that matter most to you.
Q3: What if my plan hasn’t changed much?
Even so, a quick review confirms you’re still on track and may uncover opportunities you hadn’t considered.
Q4: What makes CKS Summit Group different?
We go beyond numbers to build retirement strategies that reflect your life. That means tailored income, risk, tax, and lifestyle planning designed around you.
Q5: When should I schedule my review?
Now! The sooner you assess, the more options you have to improve or optimize before year-end.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
