Many people dread visiting the doctor, but when it comes to your financial health, doing a routine year-end check-up is typically an easy and pain-free experience. With the end of the year just around the corner, here are a few important checkpoints to help ensure your ongoing financial health.Charitable givingAs you probably know, donating to nonprofits organized under the IRS's 501(c)(3)section, can help offset your tax bill. But you may not be aware that if you've held an appreciated stock for at least a year, you can donate it directly to a charity of your choice. You can deduct the fair market value of the stock-up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income-and avoid paying capital gains tax. Meanwhile, your favorite charity will benefit by gaining an asset it can sell for cash or keep for the future.
