If you are like the 84% of Americans who set a financial resolution for this year, you started 2026 with the goal of improving your personal finances.

What that means is unique to everyone, so beginning with a clear goal for your financial situation is a great way to start.

As the old proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is now.” For your resolutions, financial or otherwise, there is truly no better time than the present.

Many financial goals can be worthwhile, yet challenging, to maintain, which is why you might find it beneficial to partner with a financial advisor.

Since my job is to help you make the most of your money, I would like to share a few strategies for accomplishing your resolutions.

Start with the basics in 2026

Every resolution, whether it is eating healthier, exercising more, volunteering, or reading more, requires different steps. The starting point can be intimidating due to how grand the ultimate goal may seem.

When it comes to your finances, the story is no different.

A 2025 survey by Ramsey Solutions indicated that only 51% of Americans were happy with the state of their personal finances.

Here are some great starting points for anyone just beginning the journey of better understanding their money in 2026:

Create a Basic Budget

First, understand what your money is doing for you by creating a personal income statement.

Whether done with paper and a pencil, Excel spreadsheets, or an app, knowing where every dollar goes is essential to planning your financial future.

Build Your Emergency Fund

Having emergency savings set aside in a separate account provides peace of mind for anything unexpected that may come up in 2026 and beyond.

Three to six months of expenses is a good starting point and will help you maintain stability in the event of an emergency, such as a job loss, unexpected home repairs, and so on.

Building on the basics

Preparation and having a plan in place are everything when it comes to making progress with your financial goals.

There are many potential options for financial resolutions; here are a few ideas for building blocks in 2026.

Develop a Financial Plan for Your Goals

Setting concrete, specific goals (retirement, new home purchase, saving for children’s education expenses, paying off debt, etc.) allows you to create a plan that is worth following.

Having a detailed plan in place for all aspects of your finances ensures that everything is headed in the right direction.

It is also key that you consistently review this plan, as all things related to finance are very dynamic.

Create and Implement a Game Plan for Your Investments

It is important to establish and regularly revisit your investment approach to ensure that it is consistent with your short- and long-term goals.

This includes how much you are investing, the allocation of your investments, and other considerations such as taxes and gifting strategies.

Below are some common investment accounts to consider whether they fit into your overall growth goal in 2026. Each account may be utilized as a different tool in your financial toolbox, and a financial advisor is a great resource for exploring how these may fit into your strategy:

• Roth and traditional IRAs
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) and employer-sponsored retirement accounts
• Individual or joint taxable brokerage accounts
• High-yield savings and money market funds

Maximize Your Employer Benefits

Gain a full understanding of the benefits offered through your employer to ensure you are maximizing all that is available in the upcoming year.

Year-end is also a great time to revisit your 401(k) contributions and determine whether you are making the most of your retirement savings.

An annual review of your investments within your 401(k) is also appropriate, ensuring that your employer-sponsored retirement account aligns with your long-term goals.

Analyze and Review Your Personal Insurance Coverage

As life changes, so does your need for protection in the form of insurance.

An annual review with a financial advisor can help determine if your coverage is sufficient for your assets, family, and lifestyle.

Reviewing your home, car, or life insurance policy can be a simple goal to accomplish in 2026, and it can provide you extra peace of mind through all of the chaos life may bring this year.

Review Your Estate Plan

Reviewing or even beginning to establish an estate plan is a fantastic goal to set in 2026.

Almost everyone has a desire to pass money on in some way, shape, or form, but you may not be confident in how your estate plan is currently set up or how to go about doing so.

Evaluating your will, trust, beneficiary designations, or powers of attorney are great annual checkpoints to ensure that everything is updated.

This step can give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in place accordingly if something were to happen.

Most resolutions fail; how do I ensure that mine doesn’t?

The reality is that many resolutions are forgotten or given up on early into the new year.

To ensure that yours can become a reality, it is important to set specific, detailed goals that you can track as the year goes on.

Accountability through your spouse, a friend, or especially a financial advisor is a great way to ensure that you make progress and eventually achieve your goals. We can help with that, so reach out to me when you’re ready.