Image Source: DepositPhotosMost people wait for the new year to make major financial moves.But there are several last-minute steps you should consider taking before January 1.They could make a huge difference to your bottom line in 2024 and beyond.So, before time runs out, here are three year-end moves you should consider right now. These can save you thousands of dollars… No. 1: Think About Tax Loss HarvestingFor any open losses in your portfolio, consider selling them before year’s end so you can deduct the losses on tax day.If you also managed to book gains this year, your losses can offset the gains on a dollar-for-dollar basis with no limit.And if you recorded more losses than gains – or no gains at all – you can use those losses to offset some ordinary income up to a limit of $3,000 ($1,500 if married and filing separately).Better yet, you can carry additional losses forward for future tax years.Doing this before year-end is a no-brainer if you have losing positions you don’t expect to recover.You’ll not only get a tax break, but you can also take the proceeds from the sale and reinvest them in other investments you like better.Even if you have underwater positions you’d like to continue holding for the long term, you might still consider selling them at a loss for the tax advantage.Just be careful. You must wait more than 30 calendar days before buying back those same positions for the loss to count on your tax form.If you buy back sooner than 30 days, the IRS applies what is known as a “wash sale” rule.This means it will not recognize a loss if you’ve bought replacement stock within 30 calendar days before or after selling your losing position.On the other hand, if you wait 31 days, the loss still counts for tax purposes.The real risk is that the stock could rebound over those 30 days, and you’d miss out… But I’d consider taking the chance depending on the position.And the 30-day wash sale rule does not currently apply to crypto since it’s considered property.That means you can sell a crypto at a loss, lock in the deduction, and then immediately repurchase the crypto without losing the deduction.So, if you have the chance to use this tax trick, consult your tax adviser and consider acting before the new year. No. 2: Consider Charitable GivingIf you have items you no longer want, now is a great time to bring them to your local charity…It’s also a great time to fund your favorite cause through the gift of cash or an investment like stock or crypto.Because if you itemize these gifts, your charitable donations will also be deductible come tax day on April 15.Even if you don’t itemize, you can still deduct up to $300 for cash gifts to qualified organizations. Suffice it to say, this is one of those rare tax items that helps you do well for yourself by doing good for others. No. 3: Take One Last Look at Your Retirement AccountsRetirement accounts also provide some level of tax advantages… But there are a few things to consider.IRAs can be opened all the way up until April 15, 2024, in order to still provide advantages for the 2023 tax year.But other types of accounts – like 401(k) plans – must be established and funded by December 31.So, if you’ve been procrastinating, you’ll need to decide before the end of the year.Opening or funding an account now could provide more money for the future… the possibility of matched contributions from your employer… plus a nice tax break on your 2023 taxes.Meanwhile, if you’re self-employed, I would strongly recommend you consider a solo 401(k). They provide even higher overall contribution limits than the standard 401(k) plan.This is also the time to consider implementing any changes to existing accounts – for example, converting a traditional IRA to a Roth.By all means, enjoy the holidays…But don’t do it at the expense of simple steps that could set you up for serious tax savings this year, and benefits in the new year and beyond.Best Wishes and Happy New Year,More By This Author:This $1 Billion Collapse Shows It Pays To Take The Long View In The Markets Looking For The Market’s Next “Hoover Dam” Political Drama, Middle East Conflict, And Record Debt Is Fueling The De-Dollarization Flames