A recent survey from financial confidence company Boldin indicates that individuals who actively manage their finances through regular check-ins and comprehensive year-end planning demonstrate high confidence in their long-term financial security. The company polled more than 1,000 financially savvy Americans who manage their own financial plans using Boldin to understand their planning habits. Respondents were evenly split between retirees and those planning for retirement, with 70% reporting assets between $1 million and $5 million. Across all wealth levels, most respondents anticipate having the same or greater wealth at their longevity than today, suggesting their proactive approach is effective.
The survey found that regular financial reviews are common, with 27% of respondents checking their priorities and progress weekly or more often, 21% doing so two to three times monthly, and 25% reviewing monthly. An overwhelming 92% agreed that annual or more frequent reflection on big-picture goals significantly boosts their confidence, and 90% stated that knowing their year-end financial standing enables informed future decisions. Virtually all respondents engage in year-end planning, with 34% taking a strategic, long-term approach, 54% using a balanced method combining tactics and strategy, and 12% focusing on short-term goals and transactions.
Common year-end activities include reflecting on past financial performance, reviewing spending and income, and examining savings goals. Many also plan for the coming year, with 50% arranging healthcare coverage and 43% setting financial goals. Action-oriented steps are also prevalent: 40% optimize tax liability or conduct tax-loss harvesting, 39% complete Roth conversions, and 24% make charitable contributions. The primary motivation for this planning is confidence, cited by 79% of respondents, while 50% aim to reduce their tax burden and 43% seek to build more wealth over time.
Steve Chen, founder and CEO of Boldin, noted that planning is driven by a desire for informed decision-making rather than just performance optimization. He emphasized that tools enabling self-directed planning foster increased know-how and confidence, habits that anyone can adopt. Boldin's platform, which provides financial planning software directly to users, allows them to build and manage retirement plans comprehensively, covering areas from taxes to Monte Carlo analysis. Users can run scenarios and access support through features like in-app chat and classes, with optional guidance from coaches and Certified Financial Planner professionals. The software was recognized as Bankrate's Best Financial Planning Software of 2025. For more information on the platform, visit https://www.boldin.com/.
