Key Dates to Keep Your Financial Plan on Track in 2026
A successful financial plan isn’t just about long-term goals – it’s also about timing. With the new year in progress, there are several important dates that can impact taxes, retirement income, Medicare decisions, and charitable giving.
For example, April 15 marks not only the tax filing deadline but also the last chance to make IRA contributions for the prior year. Those turning 73 in 2025 should note April 1, 2026, as the deadline to take their first required minimum distribution. Medicare enrollment periods in the fall are another critical window, as coverage changes made in late 2026 will affect benefits in 2027.
Later in the year, reviewing investment gains and losses, planning Roth conversions, and completing qualified charitable distributions before December 31 can help reduce taxes and support meaningful causes.
At Lighthouse Financial, we encourage families and retirees to view these dates as opportunities – not deadlines – and to plan ahead with confidence.
My 2026 Retirement Dates To Remember
- Feb. 15* — Are you 59½ or older and still working? You may be able to elect an in-service rollover of your 401(k) or TSP to an IRA and prepare for retirement.
- March 31 — General enrollment for traditional Medicare ends, and open enrollment for Medicare Advantage ends. (Window opens Jan. 1.)
- April 1 — In 2026, only people who turned 73 in 2025 are required to take their first RMD, and their latest possible first RMD date is April 1, 2026.
- April 15 — 1. 2025 taxes are due 2. Last chance to make contributions to an IRA 3. First quarter estimated tax payment for 2026
- May 15* — Risk (“review”). Optimal time to review your investment balance and stress-test for hidden risks. June 15 — Second quarter estimated taxes are due.
- Aug. 1* — Estate tuneup. Is your estate plan up to date? Do you have proof that each asset you own has beneficiaries (bank, insurance, IRAs, etc.)?
- Sept. 15 — Third quarter tax estimate for 2026 is due (you could catch up by withholding taxes from your RMD).
- Sept. 30 — By this date, you will have received Medicare’s annual notice of changes for either Medicare Advantage or Part D. Changes take place in 2027.
- Oct. 15 — Medicare open enrollment begins, with coverage beginning in 2027.
- Oct. 15 — Tax deadline for individuals who filed an extension.
- Nov. 1 — Early retirees can buy health insurance on the ACA exchange, with coverage beginning in 2027.
- Dec. 1* — Begin QCD (qualified charitable distribution) process so the charity can receive the money on time (ages 70½+ can give up to $111K).
- Dec. 3* — Review your YTD investment gains and losses, complete year-end tax planning (deduction bunching, gifting, harvesting losses, etc.).
- Dec. 7 — Medicare open enrollment ends.
- Dec. 15 — 1. ACA open enrollment ends for those who want coverage to be effective as of Jan. 1, 2027. (Enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027, with later enrollments electing coverage effective Feb. 1, 2027.) 2. Roth conversions should be done by now to ensure completion before year-end.
- Dec. 31 — Happy New Year! Did you take your RMD yet? Any lastminute gifting you want to do?
*Starred dates are a suggestion for efficient planning.
This content is provided for informational purposes only. [Firm] does not provide tax or legal advice; all individuals are encouraged to seek the guidance of qualified tax or legal professionals. Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC. Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements.
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