Blueprint for 2026: Turning Resolutions into Results
As the calendar turns to January, we are often inundated with messages about New Year’s Resolutions. While the sentiment is good, resolutions tend to be vague wishes (I want to save more money).
For 2026, we encourage you to move beyond resolutions and focus on SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
As we prepare for the year ahead, here are the three pillars to focus on to ensure your financial house is ready for 2026.
1. Define New Savings Targets
Inflation and lifestyle creep can quietly erode your savings power. What you saved in 2024 or 2025 might not be enough to hit your targets in 2026.
The 1% Challenge: Can you increase your 401(k) or IRA contribution by just 1% starting in January? It’s a small shift in cash flow that makes a massive difference over time.
Bucket Your Goals: Instead of a generic savings account, create specific buckets for 2026 objectives (Summer '26 Vacation, New Car Fund, or Home Renovation.
Automate It: The secret to hitting a target is removing the willpower. Set up automatic transfers for January 5th (or your first pay period) so the money is allocated before you have a chance to spend it.
2. Re-Calibrate Your Investment Strategy
Markets move, and your portfolio moves with them. Over the course of 2025, your asset allocation may have drifted.
The Rebalance: If stocks had a strong year, they might now make up a larger percentage of your portfolio than you intended, inadvertently increasing your risk. 2026 is the time to trim the winners and buy into underrepresented categories to get back to your target allocation.
Risk Reality Check: Has your timeline changed? If you plan to retire in five years, your risk tolerance should look different than it did when you were ten years out. We need to ensure your portfolio matches your current timeline, not the one you set three years ago.
3. The Legacy Update
Financial planning isn't just about accumulation, but also control.
Beneficiary Audit: Did you experience any major life changes in 2025? Marriages, divorces, births, or deaths in the family should trigger an immediate review of the beneficiaries listed on your insurance and retirement accounts.
Estate Documents: If your will or trust is more than five years old, or if tax laws have shifted (which they often do), a quick review with your attorney ensures your legacy goes exactly where you want it to, rather than where the state decides.
Let's Chart the Course
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is today! Let’s make 2026 a year of intentional growth. Set up a free consultation today!
