(StatePoint) A new year is a chance to embrace a wallet-friendly mindset and make a fresh financial start. But what changes will make the most impact?
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are sharing their favorite resolutions for 2026:
Calculate spending: Before any other money planning in 2026, you need to calculate your spending. Did you end 2025 with more money than you had at the beginning of the year? If so, your budget is likely in good shape and you can thoughtfully leverage excess funds to pay down debt or save for a specific goal. If you’re facing a net deficit, it’s time to cut spending where you can or identify ways to increase your income.
Build savings: Make 2026 the year you automate savings, increase your contributions to your retirement accounts and adopt a “pay yourself first” approach to building your nest egg. The sooner you take these steps, the longer you’ll have to watch your savings grow. Your financial advisor can help you determine how much you’ll need for the future you want — whether that involves becoming a homeowner, paying for your children’s college education or taking an early retirement. They can also provide strategies for reaching these goals.
Adopt tax planning strategies: Learn how new tax rules ushered in by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could impact your taxes. A CFP® professional and your tax advisor can help you understand the changes and strategize accordingly so you can maximize benefits and minimize missteps.
Review your insurance coverage: One unexpected event can have devastating financial consequences without the right insurance. Review your policies to determine whether they meet your current needs and add coverage where necessary. This is also a good opportunity to comparison shop among providers to ensure you’re not spending more than you need to.
Seek expert guidance: Varied factors such as insurance, investments, taxes and credit work together to form your complete financial picture. Make working with a CFP® professional a New Year’s resolution. They are specially trained to holistically evaluate all these components when offering financial advice. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find a CFP® professional near you.
This year, don’t be afraid to take a deep dive into your finances to determine whether your current financial plan is working. A few small tweaks may be all you need to course correct for a brighter financial future.
Photo Credit: (c) Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus
