Year-end to-do lists often look pretty similar from one annual roundup to the next, because many of us need repeated encouragement to do the right thing. This December, before running through a few important reminders, I want to offer a piece of year-end savings advice you may not hear that often: Keep your money in your 401(k) accounts and IRAs instead of taking required minimum distributions. Normally, once you reach the age of 70-1/2, you have to begin making withdrawals from your tax-deferred defined-contribution accounts. But last year, to help investors battered by cratering markets, the federal government suspended those rules for 2009.

That s helpful in two ways: You don t have to sell shares of retirement assets while their value is low, and you don t have to pay income taxes on withdrawn amounts. Of course, it would ve been even more helpful had mandatory distributions been suspended for 2008, when many retirees had to sell during the market crash, but this is no time to look a gift horse in the mouth. Many seniors wait until year-end to take these withdrawals; leave those dollars alone and enjoy an extra year of tax deferral.

There are a couple of wrinkles to keep in mind. First, it doesn t change the rule that you can delay taking your first required distribution until Apr. 1 of the year after you turn 70-1/2, but then have to take one by Dec. 31 of every year afterward. So if you turned 70-1/2 in 2009, you ll still have to take a distribution by the end of 2010.

Second, while ordinarily you can t roll over required distributions into other accounts, this year the law is treating distributions differently. So if your financial institution automatically sends you a minimum distribution, or if you voluntarily take a withdrawal, you can put it into another tax-advantaged account provided you do it within 60 days of receiving the distribution. If you make less than the current $100,000 income limit for conversions, this is a great chance to create a Roth IRA, where your assets will never be taxed and will pile up without required distributions. (If you make more than the $100,000 income limit, you might want to convert to a Roth in 2010, when the limit goes away.)

And now, on to the advice perennials. The holidays are the perfect time to put your estate planning in order. Take stock of everything you own, talk with your family about what you want to happen to your savings and possessions when you die, and prepare or update your will and any necessary trusts. Along the way, consider vehicles for charitable bequests; charitable gift funds, community foundations and charitable trusts can help you establish a legacy while sheltering assets from taxes and sometimes even generating income for your heirs. And you can contribute to Section 529 college savings plans for your children or grandchildren. You can give up to $13,000 per recipient this year before triggering federal gift taxes.

Finally, whether you plan to sit with your dog by the fireplace or take your family on a Bali cruise, create a holiday budget and stick to it. The twelfth month of the year has amazing potential to undo all the planning and saving you accomplished in the first 11. So think seriously about whom you want to give gifts to and how much you can spend. Build in some margin for spontaneous generosity, sure. But set your limits before you start shopping and traveling and you ll boost your chances of feeling good about ringing in 2010.

SEE ALSO: Year-End Saving Strategies for Retirees: Choosing the right Medicare drug coverage.

Contributing editor Peter Keating can be reached at newretirement@hearst.com.