Top advisors aren’t waiting for January to plan for 2026. They’re using the last stretch of the year to strengthen relationships, revisit retirement goals, and ensure every account is part of a client’s holistic plan.

Here are six practical moves you can make right now to help you and your clients start the new year off strong.

1. Bring retirement conversations front and center

Use your next client meeting to review 2025: what worked, what shifted, and what’s ahead for 2026? Ask clients if they’ve had any life changes that might affect their retirement goals. 

50% of Americans planned to change careers in 2025; if your clients are among them, now is a great time to discuss any salary changes, retirement account planning, and more. 

These conversations help clients feel supported and confident that you’re planning for their whole picture.

Try this: Download How to Confidently Talk 401(k) Management, a step-by-step guide that walks advisors through how to naturally segue into professional 401(k) management during client conversations. It includes common scenarios such as tax planning, life changes, and investing strategy, so you can bring 401(k) management up authentically and effectively.

2. Consider held-away accounts

Many clients’ largest retirement assets — like their 401(k)s — often go unmanaged. In fact, Americans hold $13 trillion in employer-based plans, including $9.3 trillion in 401(k) plans. That’s a missed opportunity for both holistic advice and client satisfaction.

Use your client check-ins to flag which clients have held-away accounts and discuss how those fit into their overall plan.

Try this: Use the Client Communications Toolkit to help educate your clients on what’s possible with 401(k) management.

3. Review allocations and contributions for 2026

Now’s the perfect time to ensure clients are starting the year aligned with their goals and the new IRS retirement plan contribution limits.

Walk clients through:

• Their current 401(k) and IRA allocations
• Whether they’re maximizing contributions or employer matches
• Any realignment opportunities they should consider heading into 2026

Try this: Watch the webinar The retirement confidence gap: Breaking down common money myths. In this conversation, Pontera’s Jerry Bonnabeau and GRANTvest Financial Group’s Gregory Guenther unpack common misconceptions savers have about retirement — and where advisors play a crucial role in closing the gap.

4. Stay up to date with research

Client expectations are changing fast. More savers want flexibility, personalized advice, and visibility across all their accounts.

Our retirement trends report found that:

• Only about one-third of savers feel they have control over their investments.
• Inflation and the rising cost of living are the #1 concerns across generations.
• 91% of advisors say offering services for held-away accounts has increased demand for their services.

Try this: Download the full report to understand what matters most to today’s retirement savers, find opportunities to differentiate your advice, and reinforce the value of your guidance.

5. Revisit your technology and workflows

Your tech stack should work for you — helping you achieve more holistic planning and freeing up time for client engagement. Specifically, assess whether your current workflow is truly allowing you to provide guidance on a client's entire financial picture.

Try this: Watch this short video featuring Jason Kolinsky of Kolinsky Wealth Management. He shares how tools like Pontera can help advisors provide more value to existing clients.

6. Plan, don’t pause

The quiet stretch before the new year is the perfect time to refine your process, revisit client priorities, and set clear goals for 2026.

Whether that means connecting more client accounts, updating communication cadences, or simply re-energizing your practice, the work you do now will pay off all year long.

Try this: Read Integrating 401(k) Management into Your Advisory Practice, a concise guide that demonstrates the value of held-away account management, shows how to use your current tech to identify ideal clients for the service, and provides actionable resources to get started

Stay ahead of the curve

Advisors who plan ahead don’t just keep clients — they earn trust, referrals, and long-term loyalty. The next couple of months are a chance to show clients that you’re not just managing money: you’re helping them build confidence in their future.

Want to learn more about how Pontera can help you serve clients more completely in 2026?

Contact our team to learn how secure 401(k) management can fit into your practice.