Ready to begin the new year with a renewed focus on your financial well-being? A fresh start is the perfect opportunity to check in on your finances and make thoughtful adjustments along the way. Below is a simple, month-by-month guide to help you stay organized and confident throughout 2026.
January – Draft a budget. Start the year by reviewing last year’s spending and identifying areas where small changes could make a big difference. Choose a budget template that feels realistic and includes a savings goal. Strong cash flow management is the foundation of long-term financial security. If you’d like a copy of the expense worksheet we created to help with budgeting, email service@wealthanalytics.com.
February – Automate your investments. Once you’ve set aside funds for short-term needs and emergencies, focus on building long-term wealth. Establish automatic contributions to your investment accounts to keep things consistent and effortless. This applies to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth IRAs, as well as taxable accounts. Take note of any contribution limit increases for 2026 so you can maximize opportunities.
March – Organize for tax time. Getting organized early can make tax season far less stressful. Gather your documents in one place, schedule time with your CPA, and confirm important filing deadlines. Be sure to stay informed about any tax law changes for 2026. Remember, even if you file an extension, taxes owed are still due on Tax Day. We also provide our clients with tax return reviews and proactive tax planning strategies.
April – Review your debt. Take time to look closely at outstanding loans and prioritize which to tackle first. You may want to consolidate or create a structured payoff plan. Consider interest rates alongside potential investment returns as you make decisions. Reducing debt is an important step toward greater financial freedom.
May – Educate yourself. Choose a couple of books or podcasts to enjoy over the summer that expand your financial knowledge. We’re happy to share a free copy of our book—just email service@wealthanalytics.com Learning not only helps improve financial decision-making, but ongoing cognitive engagement has also been linked to long-term brain health.
June – Review your budget again. Check in to see how your budget is holding up. If spending has drifted, now is a great time to recalibrate. With half the year still ahead, small adjustments can help you finish the year strong.
July – Rebalance your portfolio. Markets change, and so can your risk tolerance. Review your portfolio’s mix of stocks, bonds, and cash, and rebalance as needed to stay aligned with your goals. If you’d like guidance, consider working with a fee-only fiduciary advisor who provides ongoing advice and portfolio monitoring –watch this quick video to learn the difference that Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Fiduciary firms provide vs. banks and brokerages.
August – Review your insurance coverage. Evaluate your home, auto, and life insurance policies. Confirm deductibles and coverage amounts still fit your needs, and consider shopping around to ensure you’re receiving competitive rates.
September – Plan charitable giving. If charitable giving is part of your financial plan, review the most tax-efficient ways to give. Options may include Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA or donating appreciated securities. Take time to research the organizations you’d like to support and build a strategy that aligns with your values and tax goals.
October – Strengthen cybersecurity. At least once a year, update passwords and usernames for key accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible and avoid sharing sensitive information. These small steps can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.
November – Update your estate plan. If it’s been more than three years since your estate documents were reviewed—or if you’ve experienced major life changes—it may be time for an update. Laws evolve, families change, and beneficiary designations should always stay current. Consider adding a trusted contact to your accounts for added protection.
December – Prioritize your retirement. As the year wraps up, review your overall financial plan. Look at withdrawals taken, contributions made, and whether you’re on track to meet your retirement goals. Working with a fiduciary, fee-only registered investment advisor can help you bring everything together and plan confidently for the future.
Taking a month-by-month approach makes financial planning more manageable and helps you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. Small, intentional steps throughout the year can lead to meaningful progress and long-term peace of mind.
If you’re looking for professional guidance, Wealth Analytics is a fiduciary financial advisory team dedicated to helping you create a comprehensive financial plan and investment strategy for a secure and meaningful retirement. We invite you to schedule a complimentary meeting.
Source: T. Rowe Price – Your Financial Checklist for the New Year
Editors Note: This article was originally published in December 2023. It has been updated to provide more comprehensive and up-to-date information.