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Home » Important Dates to Mark on Your 2026 Financial To-Do List

Important Dates to Mark on Your 2026 Financial To-Do List

Published 11 min read

When it comes to managing your finances, there are a lot of important dates and deadlines to keep track of—and missing one could cost you. To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled a list of essential personal finance dates to remember. Here’s what should be on your financial to-do list for 2026:

January

January 1

New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday in 2026, so most banks, credit unions (including Maps), and government offices will be closed.

January 15

This is the last day to enroll in or change health care plans for 2026 if your coverage comes through the federal health insurance marketplace on HealthCare.gov. After January 15, you’ll need a qualifying life event (like a marriage, birth, loss of coverage, a permanent move, and similar major changes) to switch plans.

It’s also worth noting that, starting with the 2027 plan year, Oregon is transitioning to its own health-insurance exchange platform. Access to the new platform should be available by November 1, 2026, but the end-of-year open-enrollment deadlines may shift. To avoid any delays in coverage, plan to enroll by mid-December and make a note to watch for official notices with the latest information.

January 15

Self-employed workers (and some businesses) must send the IRS their fourth-quarter 2025 estimated tax payment by this date.

January 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 19, 2026. Most financial institutions (including Maps) will be closed.

January 26-30

The last week of January is Identity Theft Awareness Week. Take some tips from the Federal Trade Commission and spread the word to protect yourself and others from identity theft.

January 31

The last day of January is the deadline for employers to send W-2s to employees and 1099s to contractors. If you run a business, keep that date in mind.

February

February 8

Super Bowl Sunday falls on February 8, 2026, and the big game is scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Budget early if you are traveling to the Bay Area for the game (or just building a food budget for a watch party).

February 14

Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday this year, so there’s likely to be crowds at restaurants, hotels, and events. If you plan to celebrate the holiday with a loved one, set a budget and make reservations well in advance.

February 16

Presidents’ Day falls on Monday, February 16, 2026. All Maps branches and offices (as well as most banks and credit unions) will be closed.

March

March 1-31

If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing flood insurance before the April showers kick in, as it takes about 30 days for coverage to kick in for most new policies. And, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the United States—and it’s only getting worse. However, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding.

March 16

Monday, March 16, 2026, is the deadline for S corporations and partnerships to file taxes or request an extension (since March 15 falls on a Sunday in 2026).

March 31

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, is the last day of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you need to change your existing plan or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, this is your last chance.

April

April 1-30

The month of April is National Financial Literacy Month and Youth Savings Month. It’s a good time to assess your awareness of money management and financial literacy. Also, most credit unions (including Maps) celebrate the month with special deals to encourage youth members to save. So, it’s also a good time to teach kids about finances.

April 1-9

Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. For those in the Jewish faith, it serves as a moment of poignant reflection and celebration with loved ones. But all that can be overwhelming on the wallet. If you celebrate, plan ahead and stick to a budget.  

April 5

Sunday, April 5, 2026, is Easter Sunday. The “movable feast” always occurs on the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.

April 15

April 15 is Tax Day, the last day to file your federal tax return and pay your bill. You can file for an extension, but you must pay any taxes due on or before April 15 if you want to avoid interest and penalties.

April 15

Wednesday, April 15, is also the last day to make a 2025 IRA contribution.

April 15

Self-employed workers (and some businesses) must send the IRS their first-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment by Wednesday, April 15.

May

May 10

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 2026. If you’re ordering flowers or booking brunch, reserve early.

May 25

Monday, May 25, 2026, is Memorial Day. Most banks, credit unions, and government offices will be closed.

June

June 15

Self-employed workers (and some businesses) must send the IRS their second-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment by June 15, 2026.

June 19

Friday, June 19, 2026, is Juneteenth. Maps offices and branches will be closed that day, as will most banks, credit unions, and government buildings.

June 21

Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

June 30

For those attending college who hope to receive financial aid, the deadline for the 2025–2026 FAFSA is June 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CT). (The deadline for corrections and updates to the 2024/2025 application is mid-September, but the specific date is typically announced in the late summer.) Incidentally, the 2026/2027 FAFSA is also open and will remain available until June 2027.

July

July 4

Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so most banks (including Maps) and government offices will be closed on the 4th, but may also close on Friday, July 3.

Mid-July

Last year, Amazon scheduled Prime Day for 4 days in mid-July. Other retailers typically roll out competing deals. So, budget for some irresistible deals.

August

August 1-31

Back-to-school shopping season officially begins in August for students and families with kids in grades pre-K-12 in 2026. Budget for supplies, clothes, sports, clubs, and tuition (if applicable).

August 1-31

Summer is the high season for home improvement—and that could mean big savings on home upgrades. Before the season ends, schedule improvements that could lower your homeowner’s insurance cost. For example, some carriers will lower your premium if you replace your roof, plumbing, or electrical system. You may also be able to save by installing a home security system.

September

September 1

Monday, September 7, 2026, is Labor Day. Most banks, credit unions, and government offices will be closed.

September 11

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026. It kicks off the High Holidays, a ten-day period of reflection and celebration. That means a lot of lunches and dinners to budget for.

Mid-September

Deadline for FAFSA corrections/updates for the 2025–2026 FAFSA cycle. (The exact date is usually released in August.)

September 15

Monday, September 15 is the day to make your third quarter estimated tax payments for 2025 if you’re self-employed.

September 20

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026. It’s the Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. There’s an old adage that goes, “Sell Rosh Hashanah, buy Yom Kippur”. It posits that people sell positions on Rosh Hashana to rid themselves of financial commitments and return to the stock market after Yom Kippur. It’s a bit of folklore, but it’s a strategy that some traders swear by. And, interestingly, September has proven to be a losing month for the stock market.

October

October 1-31

It’s a spooky month, so it makes sense that October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and National Crime Prevention Month. Celebrate by brushing up on your scam-spotting skills.

October 1

The 2027–2028 FAFSA is expected to open in early October 2026 (exact date TBD, but last year’s release landed later than usual).

October 12

Monday, October 12, 2026, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Our branches and offices (as well as most other banks, credit unions, and government offices) will be closed.

October 15

October 15 marks the beginning of Open Enrollment for Medicare. This is when you can begin making changes to your 2027 coverage.

October 15

If you filed for an extension on your federal taxes. October 15, 2025, is your last day to file.

October 31

Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, so budget early for all those Halloween parties and extra trick-or-treaters.

November

November 1

If you enroll or change plans between November 1 and December 15, coverage will begin on January 1, 2027. Changes made between December 16 and January 15 won’t take effect until February 1, 2027.

November 3

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is Election Day.

November 8

Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Popularly known as the Hindu ‘festival of lights’, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil—and it’s a joyous occasion. The cost of food, gatherings, decorations, and gifts adds up. So, establish a clear budget if you plan to celebrate.

November 11

Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is Veterans’ Day. The Maps branches and offices will be closed.

November 26

Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Build your Thanksgiving budget early and remember that most banks, credit unions (including Maps), and government offices will be closed.

November 27

Black Friday, that raucous annual shopping event that traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season is on Friday, November 27, 2026.

November 28

As always, Black Friday is followed by Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support local and online small businesses. To celebrate, shop at a local boutique, eat at a local restaurant, or browse Etsy for holiday gifts. Or, if you own a business, strategize early for special deals and unique ways to draw shoppers into your business on November 29th (and beyond).

November 30

November 30, 2026, is Cyber Monday. It is a shopping holiday designed to boost spending with e-commerce and online retailers. Expect some compelling deals and special offers via email—but be on high alert for online shopping scams.

December

December 1-31

You have until December 31 to make charitable contributions if you wish to claim them on your taxes in April of 2027.

December 1-31

December is also a good time to update your beneficiaries on your 401(k) or life insurance policy. Or, if you haven’t gotten around to estate planning, get started. Make sure you have an updated will or trust, health care directives, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and long-term care insurance.

December 1-31

Check the limits of your 401(k) contributions and max them out before year’s end. Contributions through payroll deductions must be made before December 31, 2026, but you have until April 2027 to max out the contributions to your IRA.

December 1

Tuesday, December 1 is Giving Tuesday. The annual event is an opportunity to focus on generous acts by volunteering or donating to local communities, non-profits, and charitable causes.

December 24

Thursday, December 24, 2026, is Christmas Eve. All Maps branches and offices will close at 1 pm in preparation for Christmas Day.

December 25

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! All Maps branches and offices will be closed (as will most banks, credit unions, and government offices).

December 26

Kwanzaa begins on Saturday, December 26, 2026. It is a moment to reflect on your financial successes and struggles, and to consider your future goals, aspirations, and charitable opportunities.  

How to Keep a Financial Calendar

A comprehensive financial calendar is a great tool for saving, budgeting, and investing. It’s also a fantastic way to minimize financial surprises. Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or investing big bucks in your future, it’s important to know what is flowing in and out of your wallet each month. Keep a written calendar or set up a secondary Google calendar with financial notifications. Take a moment each month to browse the calendar for upcoming events. Tailor the calendar to your life and add special birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and trips that you need to budget for. As the year goes on, add unexpected expenses (like that Amazon Prime membership renewal you forgot about) so they don’t surprise you again.

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