This holiday season, choose to be part of the movie.
By Elaine King Fuentes, CFP®, TEP
During the holidays, I worry about every person who comes to my home. Are they okay? Do they have everything they need? Is anything missing on the table?
Do you know someone like that? Someone who also handles the flights, who picks up whom and making sure no one is left without a room. Maybe it’s you.
And many times I missed the moment. Everyone was talking, and I was coming and going, making sure everything was fine. It went by too fast.
Last year, I hired a professional. And I finally sat down at the table. I could have a longer conversation. I could enjoy it.
Financial planning works the same way. Year-end is one of the most important moments for your finances, and it arrives exactly when you’re busiest. A good plan helps you look ahead to next year, set realistic expectations and keep what you do aligned with what you really want. No pressure, at your own pace. And a professional lets you enjoy the moment more.
Picture yourself as a character in your family’s movie. Or behind the curtain, making sure everything is fine, handling every detail and, on top of that, worrying about your own well-being. Where do you want to be?
And if these are your first holidays after a big change in your life, all the more reason: this year, you deserve a seat too.
This year, plan. Three ideas:
1. Share the Roles and the Responsibilities
Before the holidays, tell everyone what their part is. One person handles the table, another the music, another dessert or picking up guests. Everyone can contribute in their own way: their time, a dish, an idea or, if they’d like, part of the cost. If your children are adults, give them a real responsibility.
And make it fun: a contest for the most creative or most original dish. Everyone brings a dish and the family votes. The prize can be symbolic, like choosing next year’s music or dessert.
I’ve noticed that when everyone contributes, no one is left with all the work or all the exhaustion. When everyone takes part, the celebration belongs to everyone.
2. Protect Yourself with a Plan B
If you’re traveling, or hosting dinner in a garden or outdoors, always have a plan B. For a dinner outside, make sure there’s a rain plan or a rain policy.
For a trip, consider travel insurance with medical coverage. I heard of someone who got sick while traveling, and the bill came close to $50,000. Sometimes your credit card already covers cancellations or delays, but it often applies only if you paid for the trip with that card, and it usually doesn’t cover medical care abroad. Check its benefits before you pay twice.
And before you board, review your beneficiaries. On retirement accounts and life insurance, they usually speak before the will.
3. Create a Sharing Policy
Use the table to discover how the people in your family would like to see the world change. Instead of complaining about what’s wrong, ask three questions: What would you like to change? How would you make it better? What could you contribute: time, money or what you know how to do?
Write down the answers. That is your family’s giving plan: one cause you choose together, who contributes what, and when. Use it as a platform for GivingTuesday, December 1, in the United States, or for donations to local causes in Latin America. And if you’re giving a meaningful amount, ask your advisor whether donating stock may make more sense than cash.
This year, save a chair for yourself. This holiday season, choose to be part of the movie. Value your time, plan your finances and share with impact.
When your family watches this year’s movie, how many scenes will you be in?
Know someone who is always behind the curtain? Send her this.
Frequently asked questions
How can I host the holidays without stress?
Share responsibilities before guests arrive: the table, the music, dessert, picking up those coming from far away. Each person contributes in their own way, with time, a dish or an idea. According to Elaine King, CFP®, when everyone takes part, no one carries all the work or all the exhaustion.
What is a fun family activity for Thanksgiving or the holidays?
A contest for the most creative or original dish. Everyone brings a dish, the family votes and the prize is symbolic, like choosing next year’s music or dessert. It brings the family together and shares the work.
Do I need travel insurance for holiday travel?
It can help, especially abroad, since many health plans offer little coverage outside the U.S. Some credit cards cover cancellations or delays if you paid for the trip with them, but they usually don’t cover medical care. Check your card’s benefits before you buy a policy.
What should I do if I host an outdoor dinner and it rains?
Have a plan B: an alternative space or a policy that covers the event in case of rain. Decide it in advance, not on the day.
Does my will decide who gets my retirement accounts and life insurance?
Usually not. Those accounts generally pass to the beneficiaries named on each form, regardless of the will. Review them before you travel and after a divorce, a loss or a major change.
In Florida, is my ex-spouse still my beneficiary after divorce?
In many cases, no. Florida law (Section 732.703) voids an ex-spouse’s designation on life insurance, IRAs and payable-on-death accounts at divorce. There are important exceptions, such as employer plans governed by ERISA, including 401(k)s. Review each form with your advisor and attorney.
What is GivingTuesday and how can my family take part?
GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, December 1. Your family can choose a cause together and give time, money or expertise. In Latin America, families can support local causes through the holidays.
Why should I plan my finances at year-end?
Because it is one of the most important moments of the year for your finances. A plan helps you look ahead, set realistic expectations and align your activities with your goals. A CFP® professional can walk beside you so you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
Want to enjoy the holidays while someone handles the details of your finances? Schedule a conversation at elaineking.com.
Elaine King Fuentes, CFP®, TEP, CDFA™, is the founder of Family and Money Matters™ and the author of eight books on family and money. Based in Miami, she works with women in transition, families and business owners to organize, grow and preserve their wealth.
Educational content only. Not individualized financial, legal or tax advice. Beneficiary, estate and account rules vary by plan and state. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.
