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As 2025 comes to a close, financial experts suggest using the year-end period to review key aspects of personal finance, including savings, investments, taxation and education-related funding. Recent changes in tax policy and overseas education rules have made advance planning more relevant for households preparing for 2026.
Review financial goals across time horizons
Dante De Gori, CEO of FPSB International (FPSB Ltd.), said individuals can begin by reassessing short-, medium- and long-term financial goals to ensure they align with current priorities and life stages.
Short-term needs such as emergency funds, near-term expenses and debt management may be reviewed first, followed by long-term objectives including home ownership, children’s education and wealth creation.
He added that reviewing investment strategies to ensure they match risk appetite and time horizon can help maintain consistency, even if only minor adjustments are required.
Check retirement planning and tax-efficient savings
According to De Gori, year-end is also an appropriate time to review retirement contributions and the use of tax-advantaged instruments. Monitoring contribution levels and long-term adequacy can help individuals stay aligned with retirement timelines and financial security goals.
Understand tax changes and use savings productively
India’s revised Union Budget 2025 introduced updated income tax slabs and expanded rebates under the new tax regime, increasing tax-free income thresholds and reducing compliance through higher TDS limits on interest, dividends and rent.
Kuntal Bhansali, founder of Fydaa, said the changes may increase disposable income for middle-income earners, creating room for savings and investments. He noted that tax savings can be deployed across suitable investment avenues to support long-term goals, including property ownership, while maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio.
Plan overseas education funding early
Financial planning has also become more relevant for families considering overseas education.
Ankit Mehra, CEO and co-founder of GyanDhan, said student visa processes across major destinations now involve closer scrutiny of financial documentation and funding sources.
Visa authorities are assessing the consistency and origin of funds, along with academic records and disclosure of past refusals or gaps. Mehra noted that education loans are also being evaluated more closely by institutions, making documentation and early preparation important for students targeting 2026 intakes.
Track changing borrowing and spending patterns
Recent trends indicate a shift in education financing behaviour, with overseas education loan disbursals declining even as loan sanctions rise. This suggests students and families are reassessing budgets and destinations rather than reducing aspirations, according to Mehra.
Seek structured and professional guidance where needed
As financial decisions span taxation, investments, retirement and education funding, De Gori said a structured and personalised approach can help individuals manage competing priorities. He added that guidance from a CFP® professional may assist in aligning present-day financial choices with long-term objectives.
Review financial goals across time horizons
Dante De Gori, CEO of FPSB International (FPSB Ltd.), said individuals can begin by reassessing short-, medium- and long-term financial goals to ensure they align with current priorities and life stages.
Short-term needs such as emergency funds, near-term expenses and debt management may be reviewed first, followed by long-term objectives including home ownership, children’s education and wealth creation.
He added that reviewing investment strategies to ensure they match risk appetite and time horizon can help maintain consistency, even if only minor adjustments are required.
Check retirement planning and tax-efficient savings
According to De Gori, year-end is also an appropriate time to review retirement contributions and the use of tax-advantaged instruments. Monitoring contribution levels and long-term adequacy can help individuals stay aligned with retirement timelines and financial security goals.
Understand tax changes and use savings productively
India’s revised Union Budget 2025 introduced updated income tax slabs and expanded rebates under the new tax regime, increasing tax-free income thresholds and reducing compliance through higher TDS limits on interest, dividends and rent.
Kuntal Bhansali, founder of Fydaa, said the changes may increase disposable income for middle-income earners, creating room for savings and investments. He noted that tax savings can be deployed across suitable investment avenues to support long-term goals, including property ownership, while maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio.
Plan overseas education funding early
Financial planning has also become more relevant for families considering overseas education.
Ankit Mehra, CEO and co-founder of GyanDhan, said student visa processes across major destinations now involve closer scrutiny of financial documentation and funding sources.
Visa authorities are assessing the consistency and origin of funds, along with academic records and disclosure of past refusals or gaps. Mehra noted that education loans are also being evaluated more closely by institutions, making documentation and early preparation important for students targeting 2026 intakes.
Track changing borrowing and spending patterns
Recent trends indicate a shift in education financing behaviour, with overseas education loan disbursals declining even as loan sanctions rise. This suggests students and families are reassessing budgets and destinations rather than reducing aspirations, according to Mehra.
Seek structured and professional guidance where needed
As financial decisions span taxation, investments, retirement and education funding, De Gori said a structured and personalised approach can help individuals manage competing priorities. He added that guidance from a CFP® professional may assist in aligning present-day financial choices with long-term objectives.
