The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and a much-needed break from the daily grind. But for financial advisors, balancing year-end client needs, prospecting, and personal time can make it hard to step away.
Here’s the truth: taking time off isn’t just about enjoying the holidays—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success. A well-rested advisor is a focused and productive advisor, ready to hit the ground running in January.
The key? Smart planning and leveraging tools to manage your workload and pipeline. Let’s explore how you can work smarter this holiday season, fully recharge, and start 2025 stronger than ever.
1. Plan Ahead and Prioritize
Preparation is the foundation for a stress-free holiday break. Take the time to evaluate what truly needs to get done before the year ends, and make a game plan to tackle those tasks efficiently.
How to Prioritize Effectively:
- Start with critical items: Focus on tax planning, retirement contributions, and year-end portfolio adjustments for clients.
- Create a timeline: Map out when tasks need to be completed and schedule blocks of time to focus on them.
- Set realistic goals: Accept that not everything has to be wrapped up before the holidays—some tasks can wait until January.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of Planswell’s 2025 Prepay Offer to lock in exclusive households now. Prepaying ensures you’ll have a steady pipeline waiting for you in January, so you can focus on your holiday plans without worrying about what’s next.
Discover additional details about the prepay offer here.
2. Communicate Your Holiday Schedule
Your clients and colleagues won’t know you’re stepping away unless you tell them. Proactively sharing your holiday availability can help manage expectations and reduce interruptions during your break.
How to Communicate Effectively:
- Email your clients: Let them know your office hours and when they can expect responses to inquiries.
- Set an out-of-office reply: Include your return date and an alternative contact for urgent matters.
- Use meetings to reinforce your schedule: Mention your availability during client calls or prospecting sessions.
Example Email:
“Hi [First Name],
As we approach the holidays, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be taking time off from [date] to [date]. If you need assistance before then, feel free to reach out, and I’ll ensure everything is handled before my break. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!”
3. Delegate and Automate
You don’t have to do it all yourself—especially during the holidays. Use your team, technology, and tools to keep your business running smoothly while you’re away.
How to Delegate Smarter:
- Assign year-end follow-ups or non-urgent tasks to trusted team members.
- Use Planswell’s CRM to organize and automate reminders, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
- Automate routine emails or social media posts to stay visible without active effort.
With Planswell’s tools and household delivery process, you can step away knowing your pipeline is already being managed. By prepping now, you can enjoy your break with confidence.
4. Reflect and Set Goals Before You Log Off
The holidays are a great time to look back on your achievements and plan for the year ahead. Taking a moment to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in 2024 will give you clarity and motivation for 2025.
Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What were my biggest wins this year?
- What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?
- What do I want to achieve in 2025—personally and professionally?
Make a Plan for January:
Use Planswell’s prepay offer to lock in exclusive households and ensure your new year starts with momentum. Knowing your pipeline is ready to go will help you disconnect more fully during the holidays.
5. Embrace the Power of Saying No
It’s easy to overcommit during the holidays. Between last-minute client requests and holiday invitations, your schedule can quickly fill up—leaving little room for rest.
When to Say No:
- A client asks for something that can easily wait until January.
- A prospect requests a meeting without urgency.
- You feel tempted to squeeze in one more project before your break.
How to Do It Gracefully:
“Thanks for reaching out! I’d love to assist with this after the holidays. Let’s set a time in early January to connect.”
Setting boundaries isn’t just good for you—it also shows clients you respect your own time, setting a positive example for them to follow.
6. Unplug and Set Boundaries
Let’s be honest: the hardest part of taking time off is actually stepping away from work. But fully disconnecting, even for a few days, is essential for recharging your energy and creativity.
How to Successfully Unplug:
- Turn off notifications: Silence work-related apps and email alerts to avoid distractions.
- Designate work-free zones: Keep your laptop and work phone out of the room during family gatherings or personal time.
- Stick to a schedule: If you absolutely need to check in, set a specific time for it—then step away again.
Think of unplugging as a gift to yourself (and your clients). When you come back refreshed, you’ll be able to give your work 100% again.
7. Ease Back into Work in January
Avoid the post-holiday overwhelm by planning a smooth transition back to work. Give yourself time to catch up and focus on high-priority items first.
How to Re-Enter Gracefully:
- Block off your first day back for emails and updates—don’t book meetings until you’re caught up.
- Start the year with a clear plan, using your reflections and goals from December to guide your priorities.
- Leverage your prepaid Planswell households to dive right into meaningful client conversations.
By easing back in, you’ll start the year feeling in control and ready to take on 2025 with focus and determination.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to celebrate, reflect, and recharge—but only if you give yourself the space to step away from work. By planning ahead, communicating boundaries, and using tools like Planswell to keep your pipeline strong, you can enjoy your break without worry.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The more rested and refreshed you are, the better you’ll serve your clients when the new year begins.
Here’s to working smarter, resting better, and making 2025 your most successful year yet!
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