A new year often brings renewed resolve to take steps toward improving different aspects of our lives. According to a survey by Statista, the most popular New Year’s resolutions focus on improving physical health, mental health, relationships, and finances. Unfortunately, many of us start the year strong, only to lose momentum and fall back into old habits by February 1—if not sooner.
The most successful resolutions and meaningful behavior changes are not short-term efforts. They require consistent attention and practice all year long, year after year. If one of your resolutions is centered around your finances, we’re here to help.
how to get started
Start your financial year off right with our comprehensive Start of the Year Financial Checklist. This checklist covers more than 40 key items designed to set you up for financial success in the year ahead.
If you are a Heritage client, our Wealth Management teams review the checklist items that are relevant to your situation to ensure we stay aligned with any changes to your goals, priorities, or circumstances.
Put it in Writing
At the beginning of each year, take time to write down your short-term and long-term financial goals. Note why those goals are important to you and share them with your advisor. Doing so helps prioritize next steps, clarify trade-offs, and identify where professional guidance may be most valuable in the year ahead.
The start of the calendar year is also a good opportunity to identify any cash flow, debt, tax, legal, or insurance considerations that may arise over the next 12 months. For example:
- Are there debts that you would like to eliminate this year? If so, consider strategically targeting debts with the least favorable terms first.
- Have you made any improvements to your property or acquired new valuables? If yes, it may be time to review your property insurance (homeowners, renters, etc.), increase coverage, or add riders as appropriate.
- Did you miss making an IRA contribution for the prior tax year but still want to do so? You have until April 15 to make a contribution for the prior year.
Access Resources To Help Build Your Wealth In 2026
We offer several tools and resources to support your financial planning throughout the year:
- 2026 Important Financial Numbers: A summary of income tax rates, contribution limits, deductions, and Social Security details you need to know for 2026.
- Heritage Blog: Timely market commentary, economic insights, and upcoming events. Subscribe to get it deivered right to your inbox each week.
- Wealthy Behavior Podcast: Conversations on the strategies, behaviors, and decisions that are key to building and protecting personal wealth and living a rich life. Listen and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
All done setting your goals but looking for an advisor to help bring every part of your financial plan together into one cohesive strategy? Learn how you can test-drive working with Heritage Financial.
