Key Financial Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

From tax deadlines to retirement milestones, don't miss these important financial dates

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Financial planner Ken Tumolo highlights several critical financial dates that everyone should have marked on their calendar, including February 28 when tax forms are due, milestone birthdays like 59 1/2 and 62 that impact retirement accounts and Social Security, and December 31 for end-of-year tax planning.

Why it matters

Keeping track of key financial deadlines and milestones can help ensure you don't miss important tax filing requirements, retirement account withdrawal rules, and opportunities to maximize your financial planning throughout the year.

The details

Tumolo explains that February 28 is an important date because it's the deadline for brokerage firms and financial institutions to send out tax forms to clients. He advises people to make a list of all the accounts they receive forms from to stay on top of this deadline. Tumolo also highlights significant birthdays, such as 59 1/2 when you can start withdrawing from retirement accounts penalty-free, 62 when you become eligible for Social Security, and 73 when required minimum distributions kick in. Finally, he notes December 31 as a key date for taking advantage of any last-minute tax deductions before the end of the year.

  • February 28 is the deadline for brokerage firms and financial institutions to send out tax forms to clients.
  • Age 59 1/2 is when you can start withdrawing money from retirement accounts without a penalty.
  • Age 62 is when you become eligible for Social Security benefits.
  • Age 73 is when you are required to start withdrawing money from qualified retirement accounts.
  • December 31 is the end of the tax year and the last day to take advantage of any tax deductions.

The players

Ken Tumolo

A certified financial planner based in East Lyme, Connecticut.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Most of the firms or brokerage houses out there, we'll think of Fidelity or Schwab, that'll make it easy for everyone, most of those tax forms have to be sent out to people by the 28th of February. What I tell people to do is make a list of all the accounts that you know you're getting forms from.”

— Ken Tumolo, Certified Financial Planner (WFSB)

“You always hear: start as early as you can to save for retirement, and there's a big reason behind that. It's because pensions are disappearing.”

— Ken Tumolo, Certified Financial Planner (WFSB)

“What it does is it forces you to go digging. You know, dig up those accounts that you might not always look at. Then what you're doing, you're taking that data and you're building it back into, at least we do it here, we build it back into the spreadsheet, and it's really am I on track? Should I be doing something differently?”

— Ken Tumolo, Certified Financial Planner (WFSB)

What’s next

Tumolo suggests scheduling regular check-ins throughout the year to review your financial accounts and ensure you're on track with your financial goals.

The takeaway

Staying on top of key financial deadlines and milestones can help you avoid missing important tax requirements, retirement account rules, and opportunities to maximize your financial planning. By marking these dates on your calendar and conducting regular financial reviews, you can better prepare for your financial future.