Year-End Checklist for Personal & Business Banking at Cornerstone Bank

Dec 15, 2025 | 2 Minute Read

Year-End Checklist for Personal & Business Banking at Cornerstone Bank

As we wrap up another year, now is the ideal time to take stock of your finances and prepare for a strategic, stress-free start to the new year. At Cornerstone Bank, we deliver personalized banking solutions: from everyday checking and savings to financial tools for businesses.

We’ve outlined a practical, easy-to-follow Year-End Banking Checklist to help you close out 2025 and seamlessly prepare for 2026.

Personal Banking Checklist

  1. Review Your Accounts
    Review your monthly statements from checking, savings, and other accounts. Confirm transactions, flag any discrepancies, and reconcile with your personal records before year-end.
  2. Prepare for Tax Season Early
    Save and organize all banking and investment documents in one place. This proactive step can reduce stress when tax filing season arrives.
  3. Set Financial Goals for 2026
    Identify what you want to achieve next year; whether it’s saving for a home, starting investments, or improving your credit, and make a plan now so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Small Business Banking Checklist

Business owners have another layer of financial planning at year-end–and aligning your banking tasks now can save time, reduce tax complexity, and unlock growth opportunities in 2026.

  1. Reconcile & Review Financials
    Make sure your business accounts are reconciled. Compare your income statements and cash flow reports to your goals for the year to get a clear picture of performance.
  2. Organize Records for Taxes
    Gather invoices, receipts, payroll information, and vendor records. Organize these in a centralized system, ready for tax professionals or your accountant.
  3. Evaluate Banking Tools & Services
    Take a moment to assess the tools you’re using: from business checking and merchant services to online and mobile banking. Consider solutions that can streamline payments, improve cash flow, or protect your business with advanced fraud-prevention features.
  4. Plan for Payroll & Benefits Deadlines
    Check that all payroll and benefit payments are completed and correctly recorded for the year. If you work with contractors, ensure you have everything needed to issue 1099s on time.
  5. Touch Base With Your Banker
    Year-end is a strategic time to talk with a financial professional about your business goals, possible loan needs, or potential growth financing. At Cornerstone Bank, our team is ready to partner with you to make the most of the year ahead.

Finish Strong: Plan for Long-Term Success

Closing the financial books at year-end isn’t just about compliance–it’s about setting intention, clarity, and momentum for the year ahead. With thoughtful planning and the right support, you can not only simplify tax season but also position your personal finances and business for accelerated growth in 2026.

Ready to talk through your year-end plan? Connect with a banker at Cornerstone Bank.