The second half of the year is a time to revitalize and adjust your 2026 financial plans. You’ve seen what’s worked and where there’s space to grow. Now you can use that knowledge to fuel the rest of the year’s financial tasks.
This financial calendar highlights personal and business milestones from July 2026 through December 2026. Think of it as a tool to jog your memory, spark new ideas, and help you stay flexible as financial priorities shift throughout the year.
Not every date will apply to every person. Some depend on who’s in your household, how you earn money, how your business is structured, and your financial goals. To get the most out of this guide, bookmark it and come back monthly as part of your regular financial check-in.
July: Mid-year course-corrections and summer savings
Key dates
- July 1: First day of third quarter
- July 1: First day of fiscal year for many organizations
- Anytime: Mid-year credit report check
Monthly plans
As the second half of the year begins, many businesses and individuals are fine-tuning budgets, savings, and cash-flow following June’s mid-year check-in. July is also a smart time to review your credit report and check progress on yearly financial goals.
Many Maryland educators, state employees, healthcare workers, and nonprofit professionals may also be entering a new fiscal or benefits cycle in July. That means fresh budgets, new programs, and shifting to updated strategic plans.
For families with kids in school and college students, July is a great time to think ahead to school expenses that begin in late August and early September. Setting money aside for school expenses now can ease the back-to-school transition.
August: Back to school and college applications
Key dates
- Early August: Many college applications open this month
- Late August: Early-start schools begin now
Monthly plans
Things are quiet at many businesses as people depart for summer vacations. Depending on when your fiscal year begins, the August lull can give you the space to get a head start on 2027 financial planning.
For families with college students, college application season begins now. Families with school-age children may also have school starting at the end of the month, so plan for tuition bills, school supplies, and other school costs.
September: Estimated taxes and FAFSA finalization
Key dates
- Early September: Many schools and colleges start
- September 14: Corrections and updates to 2025-26 FAFSA due
- September 15: Quarterly estimated tax payments due
- September 15: Filing deadline for S corporations and partnerships that filed a 2025 tax extension
Monthly plans
Many businesses and self-employed people are making the third of four estimated tax payments. If you’re not already doing so, September is an ideal time to strengthen your tax preparation habits by setting aside money for taxes every month.
There’s another business tax deadline for S corporations and partnerships that filed a tax extension in April: you’ll need to file your return by September 15.
Families are adjusting to school and college transitions, likely with a few unexpected expenses. If you need to correct or update your 2025-26 FAFSA, you have until September 15.
October: Early open enrollment and new FAFSA
Key dates
- Early October: The FAFSA application period typically opens in the fall
- October 1: First day of 4th quarter
- October 15: Open enrollment begins for Medicare
- October 15: Filing deadline for individuals and C corporations that filed a 2026 tax extension
Monthly plans
The last quarter of 2026 has begun, and it’s a good time for individuals and businesses that run on a calendar year to make any needed budgetary adjustments. Calendar-year businesses may also be getting a head start on 2027 planning before November and December holidays fill up calendars.
If you’re an individual or C corporation that filed a tax extension in April, you’ll need to file your return by October 15.
If you get health care coverage from Medicare, open enrollment for 2027 coverage changes begins October 15 and ends December 7.
The new FAFSA typically opens in the fall, so college students may begin filling out the 2027-28 FAFSA this month.
November: Early decision, open enrollment, and elections
Key dates
- Early November: Early decision/early action deadlines for many colleges
- November 1: Open enrollment begins at healthcare.gov and many businesses
- November 3: Election day
- Anytime: Begin year-end tax planning
Monthly plans
Many employers, employees, and self-employed people are in open enrollment season for 2027 health care coverage. This is an opportunity to take stock of how your options and needs have changed over the last year and plan for a healthier 2027.
Many college students applying for early decision or early action are turning in applications this month, and thinking about student loans.
Businesses and individuals are planning for winter holiday spending, with Black Friday as the official start to the holiday shopping season. If you celebrate a winter holiday, setting aside money now for holiday spending or travel now can reduce financial pressure in December.
Finally, November is a good time to start your year-end tax planning, including charitable giving, since gifts must be made by December 31 to be deducted on your 2026 tax return.
December: Wrapping up 2026
Key dates
- December 1: Giving Tuesday
- December 15: Last day to enroll or change plans to start Jan 1 on healthcare.gov
- December 31: Many workplace retirement plan contribution deadlines fall at year end, while IRA contributions may continue until tax filing season.
- Late December: First early action/early decision letters are arriving.
Monthly plans
With winter traveling, gathering, and vacations, things slow down for many businesses. But, in the retail sector, December may represent a major portion of the annual revenue.
Prospective college students who applied for early action or early decision may hear back from colleges this month.
Many schools and colleges are on winter break, adding new childcare or travel expenses to family finances. Other travel, gift-giving, and celebrations also increase expenses.
Make sure to complete 2026 charitable giving by the end of this month. Depending on your plan, year-end may also be the deadline to make workplace retirement plan contributions and use remaining HSA or FSA funds.
Build momentum now to thrive in 2026
When you can see what’s ahead financially, you give yourself the gift of time: time to plan, make choices, and pivot when needed. Making a “money date” with yourself every month, including reviewing this financial planning calendar, can turn money worries into financial calm.
If you have financial questions, you don’t have to figure them out alone. We’re always here for you. Schedule an appointment to talk to a member advisor today or any month of the year.
