90 Days Left: How Physicians Can Hit Their 2025 Financial Goals

The year isn’t over yet. Here’s how to finish strong and make progress on your financial goals.

Q4 Is Here (Nearly)—Have You Made Progress on Your Finances?

Every January, millions of people set big goals for the year. Save more. Get serious about retirement. Finally meet with a financial advisor.

But here we are: looking at the start of the fourth quarter. I know this as I have already seen peppermint ice cream in the store. So, with roughly 90 days left in the year, it’s a good time to pause and ask yourself:

👉 What have I actually done to move toward my financial goals?

Why Q4 matters

The last quarter of the year is more than just the holiday season. It’s your final opportunity to make smart financial moves that can:

• Reduce this year’s tax bill
• Boost retirement savings
• Rebalance investments before the new year
• Create a plan you can stick to in 2026

Think of it as your “two-minute drill” before the clock runs out.

Common financial goals physicians share—and how to check them off before year-end

When I meet with physicians who are considering working with me, their goals often sound very familiar:

“I don’t want to tip Uncle Sam more than necessary.”💡 Physicians often face big year-end tax surprises. Q4 is your opportunity to look at deductions, retirement contributions, and other strategies to reduce what you owe. Even just a few smart moves before December 31st can make a meaningful difference in your 2025 refund.

“I want to get my investments in order.”💡 High investment costs—say, 1.4% all-in—can quietly hold you back. At that rate, you may need to save 35% more just to reach the same goals. A year-end fee review can put you on a stronger path for 2026.

“I want a plan, not just random decisions.”💡 As a physician, your finances are often more complex—student loans, high income, demanding schedules. The last quarter is an ideal time to map out a strategy that covers not only saving and investing, but also taxes, insurance, estate planning, and debt. With a clear plan, you’ll enter the new year with confidence.

A simple reflection exercise

Here’s a quick way to check in with yourself:

1. Write down the top 3 financial goals you set in January.

2. Circle the one you’ve made the most progress on.

3. Circle the one you’ve made the least progress on.

4. Ask: What’s the smallest next step I can take this quarter to move forward?

Sometimes, that “small step” is simply having a conversation with an advisor.

You still have time

The year may be winding down, but you still have time to make meaningful changes. In fact, the most successful clients I work with don’t wait for January resolutions—they use Q4 to set themselves up for the new year.

So let me ask you again:

👉 What have you done to achieve your financial goals this year?

And more importantly—👉 What’s your plan for the next 90 days?

P.S. The start of Q4 is the perfect time to review your progress and adjust your strategy. Don’t let another year slip by without moving closer to your financial goals. Book a call now and give yourself the best possible start to 2026. It’s as easy as sending me an email to dan@forwardthinkingwm.com.