5 Money Moves to Make Before 2025 Ends
Only days left in 2025. Here are the tax-saving, wealth-building moves you should make before the year resets—with calculators to run your numbers.
While India's financial year ends in March, December is a critical time for financial planning. Here are five moves to make before 2025 ends.
1. Review Your Section 80C Investments
80C Limit: ₹1,50,000
Have you maximized your 80C deductions for FY 2025-26? The deadline is March 31st, but planning now avoids the last-minute rush.
Popular 80C options:
| Investment | Lock-in | Returns | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELSS Mutual Funds | 3 years | Market-linked | High |
| PPF | 15 years | 7.1% (current) | None |
| NSC | 5 years | 7.7% (current) | None |
| Tax-saving FD | 5 years | 6-7% | None |
| Life Insurance Premium | - | Varies | Low |
| EPF (employee share) | Till retirement | 8.25% | None |
Tip: If you're in the new tax regime, 80C deductions don't apply—but you should still evaluate which regime saves you more tax.
Calculate your take-home under both regimes →
2. Consider NPS for Extra Deductions
Beyond 80C, the National Pension System offers additional tax benefits:
Section 80CCD(1B): Additional ₹50,000 deduction for NPS contributions
The math:
- ₹50,000 NPS contribution
- At 30% tax bracket = ₹15,000 tax saved
- Plus potential for equity-linked growth
Important: NPS has withdrawal restrictions. Only 60% is tax-free at retirement, and 40% must buy an annuity.
3. Claim Your HRA and Other Deductions
If you're salaried and haven't submitted rent receipts to your employer, December is the time:
- HRA exemption - Based on rent paid, salary, and city
- LTA - For travel within India (if your company offers it)
- Standard deduction - ₹75,000 under new regime (automatic)
Also check:
- Section 80D - Health insurance premiums (₹25,000 self, ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents)
- Section 80E - Education loan interest (no limit)
- Section 80G - Charitable donations (50% or 100% deduction)
4. Review Your Investment Performance
Before the calendar year ends, take stock:
Check your mutual funds:
- How did they perform vs benchmarks?
- Are you over-diversified with too many funds?
- Any underperformers to exit?
Evaluate your asset allocation:
- Equity vs debt ratio appropriate for your age?
- Emergency fund adequate (6 months expenses)?
- Too much in low-return instruments?
5. Set Up 2026 SIPs and Automations
January is too late for January SIP dates. Set these up now:
New SIPs - Start fresh systematic investment plans for the new year
SIP top-ups - Increase existing SIPs by 10% annually (step-up SIP)
Automate savings - Set up auto-sweep or recurring deposits
Insurance renewals - Check policy expiry dates and set reminders
Bill automations - Credit cards, utilities, EMIs—automate everything
The Before-2025-Ends Checklist
| Action | Deadline | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Review 80C investments | Mar 31 | Up to ₹46,800 tax saved |
| Consider NPS (80CCD1B) | Mar 31 | Up to ₹15,600 tax saved |
| Submit HRA receipts | Check with employer | Thousands saved |
| Review investments | Now | Better returns |
| Set up automations | Dec 31 | Behavioural success |
Run Your Numbers
- India Salary Calculator - Compare old vs new regime
- Investment Returns Calculator - Project your growth
- Debt Payoff Calculator - Plan your debt attack
- FIRE Calculator - Track financial independence
The Bottom Line
The financial year ending in March gives you time, but December planning gives you peace of mind. Sort your tax-saving investments now, avoid the March rush, and enter 2026 with clarity.
The best time to plan was April. The second best time is right now.