As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to review your investment portfolio and make sure it’s still aligned with your goals.

For many Nigerian investors, life moves quickly. Inflation, currency fluctuations, and shifting priorities can all affect your investment performance. A year-end investment portfolio checkup helps you stay in control, avoid hidden risks, and position for better returns in the new year.

With that said, here are five financial questions to ask yourself before December ends.

1. Have My Financial Goals Changed This Year?

Your investment strategy should always match your current life goals. Maybe you started the year saving for a car, but now you’re interested in owning property or planning for your child’s education. So what do you do? Review your financial goals and match them with the right asset classes. 

Short-term goals are best suited for savings and money market funds, while long-term goals fit better with equities, mutual funds, or real estate investments. Keeping your financial goals aligned ensures your money continues to grow with purpose.

2. Is My Portfolio Still Properly Diversified?

Diversification protects your investments from unexpected market shocks, but market movements can shift your balance over time, especially if Nigerian stocks or foreign assets performed better than others during the year. 

The key is to rebalance your portfolio by selling assets that have grown too large and reinvesting in sectors or asset classes that still fit your long-term plan. Keeping your portfolio balanced helps you reduce risk and maintain steady, consistent returns.

3. Am I Paying Too Much in Investment Fees?

Hidden investment fees, such as management charges, brokerage costs, or transaction fees, can quietly reduce your profits.

Here is a pro tip you can always use: compare performance and costs across mutual funds, fintech investment apps, and traditional brokers. Look for low-cost, high-performance options that deliver better value for investors.

4. How Is Inflation and the Naira Exchange Rate Affecting My Returns?

With Nigeria’s inflation rate still high and the naira fluctuating, it’s important to focus on your real return, that’s your actual gain after accounting for inflation. 

To protect your portfolio, consider assets that hedge against inflation, such as real estate, agriculture-linked investments, or dollar and other foreign-denominated assets. These options help preserve your purchasing power and safeguard your long-term wealth.

5. Am I Investing with Discipline or Emotion?

Successful investing requires patience and consistency, not panic or excitement. Many investors lose money by reacting emotionally to market swings.

Here is a mindset check for you: Stick to your plan. Automate your investment if possible. Review quarterly instead of reacting to every headline. Remember, investing is a long-term journey, not a quick race.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Money Work Smarter in 2026

In conclusion, a year-end investment checkup isn’t just for experts. It is a habit every Nigerian investor should build. It helps you stay confident, focused, and financially prepared for the year ahead.

Your portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be reviewed and refined regularly, because the smartest investors don’t try to time the market; they simply take time to adjust.

Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.