Even though the end of the year is rapidly approaching, there is still time for you to take advantage of these year-end financial planning tips:

• Use up any balances in your Medical Flexible Spending Account. Remember that you will lose any balances that you do not use. Check with your plan provider for eligible expenses and for any grace period into the new year.
• Schedule medical appointments and procedures before year-end if you have already met your health care plan’s out-of-pocket deductible.
• Offset capital gains and losses in your taxable investment accounts.
• Avoid buying any mutual funds that are planning a year-end capital gains distribution. Most mutual fund families will publish a list of estimated year-end distributions like this one from American Funds.
• If you are over age 70½ and have an IRA or other pre-tax account, be sure to take your required minimum distribution for 2009 or opt out this year. You also have until the end of the year to make a tax-free charitable rollover to a qualified non-profit organization.
• Maximize your annual gift tax exclusion. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to gift money to your loved ones, you can give each individual up to $13,000 this year with no gift tax ramifications. If you’re married, you and your spouse can each give $13,000 to anyone you want. But you need to do so by year-end.
• Fund your 529 plan to maximize your state’s tax deduction. For example, a married couple who are Michigan residents can deduct up to $10,000 of contributions to the State’s MESP 529 Plan made during 2009 from their 2009 Michigan income tax return.
• Create a 2009 tax file if you haven’t already so you have a one place for all of your tax documents to land when they start arriving in the mail.

If you have other year-end tips you would like to share, feel free to e-mail

me at [email protected].

Please keep in mind that this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice specific to your situation. You should get advice from a legal, accounting, or investment professional before deciding what course of action is appropriate for you.