Boldin Survey Shows Year-End Financial Planning Builds Confidence and Wealth Expectations

A recent survey conducted by Boldin, the financial confidence company, reveals that financially savvy Americans who engage in regular year-end planning demonstrate high confidence in their financial futures and anticipate maintaining or increasing their wealth through retirement. The survey polled more than 1,000 individuals who manage their own financial plans using Boldin's platform, with respondents evenly split between retirees (51%) and those planning for retirement (49%). Notably, 70% of respondents reported assets between $1 million and $5 million, classifying them as high-net-worth individuals.

The survey findings indicate that across all wealth levels, the majority of respondents expect to have the same or more money at their longevity than they possess today. This optimistic outlook is closely tied to their planning habits. The data shows that regular financial check-ins are common, with 27% of respondents reviewing their financial priorities, progress, and plans once a week or more, 21% doing so two to three times a month, and 25% conducting a monthly review. An overwhelming 92% agreed that reflecting on their big-picture financial goals annually or more frequently significantly boosts their confidence. Furthermore, 90% stated that knowing their financial standing at year-end gives them the confidence to make informed future decisions.

End-of-year planning is nearly universal among those surveyed, with 99% reporting they carve out time to review the previous year's finances and make adjustments for the year ahead. Their approaches vary: 34% described their method as strategic and focused on long-term planning, 54% use a balanced approach combining tactical actions with strategy, and 12% concentrate on specific transactions and short-term goals. Common activities include reflecting on annual financial performance (60%), reviewing last year's spending and income (62%), and examining savings goals and progress (44%). Planning for the upcoming year is also key, with 50% arranging healthcare coverage and 43% reviewing or setting financial goals.

The end of the year is also a period for taking concrete financial actions. The survey found that 40% of respondents optimize their tax liability or conduct tax-loss harvesting, 39% complete Roth conversions, and 24% make charitable contributions. When asked about their primary motivation for this planning, 79% cited a desire to feel more confident in their financial decisions or to increase confidence in their plan. Other motivations included reducing tax burden (50%) and building more wealth over time (43%).

Steve Chen, founder and CEO of Boldin, commented on the results, stating, "These findings underscore that people aren't planning simply to optimize performance. They're planning to feel informed and confident in their financial decision-making. We have long believed that giving people the tools to manage their own financial plan would lead to increased know-how and confidence, and the data backs that up." Chen emphasized that the habits of financially secure individuals—creating a plan, setting goals, taking action, and reviewing progress—are accessible to anyone.

The survey highlights the role of tools like the Boldin Planner, which provides users with comprehensive financial planning software. The platform extends beyond basic savings and investment tracking to offer control over major financial levers, including taxes, retirement income modeling, and Monte Carlo analysis. Users can run "what-if" scenarios to understand trade-offs and test decisions. The system also includes in-app chat, live or recorded classes for financial education, and optional access to coaches and Certified Financial Planner® professionals for fiduciary guidance. Boldin's approach to empowering users with strategic tools and understanding has been recognized, with the company named Bankrate's Best Financial Planning Software of 2025.

The implications of this survey are significant for both individual investors and the financial planning industry. It demonstrates a strong correlation between proactive, regular financial review—particularly at year-end—and both subjective confidence and objective expectations of financial security in later life. For the industry, it underscores a shift toward tools that empower self-directed planning while providing optional professional support. For readers, the findings suggest that adopting structured planning habits, similar to those of high-net-worth individuals surveyed, could be a pathway to greater financial assurance and long-term wealth preservation or growth.