Now is a good time to check in on your beneficiary designations, as life events that happened in 2018 may have changed circumstances.

Avoid high RMD penalties

Required minimum distribution (RMD) rules are pretty strict. If you don't want to face a hefty fine, you must withdraw a certain amount of money every year from tax-deferred retirement plans like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs after you reach age 70½.