Wrap Up, Wind Down: 5 Smart Checks for December

The festive season is finally here at last. It’s time to slow down, celebrate with loved ones, and wrap up the year with a sense of closure. It can also be one of the busiest months of the year, with last-minute admin, holiday planning, and financial decisions all competing for attention. To help you step into your break with confidence, we’ve put together a simple year-end checklist. These five steps are designed to give you peace of mind, tidy up loose ends, and set you up for a smoother start to the new year.

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Ready to make your December stress-free? Download our Personal Health & Financial Peace-of-Mind Checklist, created by Candid 20 Twenty just for you. Tick off these five simple steps and step into the new year with confidence and clarity.

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1. Check that your short-term insurance still covers what you own

December is a popular month for purchasing big-ticket items such as jewellery, tech gadgets, sports gear and accessories, or luxury gifts picked up during Black Friday sales. But these items aren’t automatically covered under your existing policy. If you’ve bought something valuable, make sure it’s properly specified and insured.

It's also unfortunately the time of year when crime rates tend to increase, making it essential to ensure your cover accurately reflects your risks. Review your policy, confirm that you meet the minimum security requirements, and check that your insured amounts are still appropriate based on what you own today. A quick update could make a significant difference if you ever need to claim.

2. Make sure your will is valid and up to date

Many people are surprised to learn that they either don’t have a will or that the document they drafted years ago may not actually be valid. A handwritten will tucked away in a drawer may feel sufficient, but South African law requires certain formalities for a will to stand. This includes the signatures of two independent witnesses and ensuring the document clearly reflects your intentions.

If you’re unsure about whether your will meets the legal requirements — or if you don’t have one at all — this is the perfect time to get it sorted. Having a valid, up-to-date will is one of the most important ways to protect the people you love, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. The Candid 20 Twenty team can assist with drafting your will at no cost, ensuring it’s done correctly and with your wishes clearly documented.

3. Review or upgrade your medical aid plan

The year-end window for upgrading your Discovery Medical Aid plan is now open. This is an opportunity to reflect on the year you've had, any health changes you’ve experienced, and what you may need in 2026. If your medical needs have evolved, or if you want more comprehensive cover going forward, an upgrade may be worth considering.

You can complete your plan change quickly via the Discovery app or website. Simply log in, select “Medical Aid,” navigate to “Manage your Health Plan,” scroll down to “Change your health plan,” and submit your selection. Be sure to save the reference number for your records. If you’re uncertain about which plan suits your needs, the team at Candid 20 Twenty is available to answer your questions and help you choose confidently.

4. Set a festive-season budget and stick to it

The holiday season brings joy, but it also brings added expenses. Gifts, family gatherings, festive meals, travel, school holiday activities — it all adds up quickly. Setting a realistic budget for the month can help you avoid unnecessary financial strain in January.

Start by creating categories for your spending: gifts, food, events, travel, and any once-off purchases. Look out for discounts, loyalty points, vouchers, or specials that can help you stretch your spending further. Try your best to stay within the limits you’ve set, your January self will thank you.

5. Put your 13th cheque or bonus to good use

If you receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to spend it immediately. Before you do, take a moment to consider whether those funds could work harder for you. One of the most powerful uses of a bonus is settling high-interest debts such as credit cards or store accounts. Reducing or clearing these debts can free up your monthly budget and give you more breathing room as you head into the new year.

If you’re debt-free, consider investing a portion of your bonus instead. Even a modest amount can grow meaningfully over time thanks to compound interest. The key is to balance enjoying your bonus today with making decisions that support your long-term financial wellbeing.

A smoother, more secure start to the new year

A little planning in December goes a long way. By taking care of these five steps, you’re not just wrapping up the year, you’re setting the stage for a calmer, more organised, and financially confident 2026. If you need guidance on any of the items in this checklist, the Candid 20 Twenty team is here to help you every step of the way.

Partnering with Candid 20 Twenty means choosing a team with decades of combined expertise in financial planning, risk management, and wealth protection. Led by Shirley, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and FIDUCIARY PRACTITIONER OF SOUTH AFRICA®, we bring over 25 years of dedication, insight, and award-winning service to every client relationship. Our approach is built on open, honest conversations that give you 20 Twenty vision for the road ahead. Whether you are building your wealth, safeguarding your family, or planning for retirement, we are here to light the way.