26 Financial Things to Do for a Successful 2026

New years are all about resolutions. Save more. Invest better. Pay less in taxes. But a good financial year doesn’t happen by accident. It’s usually the result of a lot of small, smart decisions made consistently.

Here are 26 financial moves that can help you feel more organized, more confident, and more in control of your money in 2026.

Income & Cash Flow

1. Review your income sources

Know exactly where your money comes from: salary, bonuses, Social Security, pensions, and investments.

2. Review your 2025 cash flow

Understand where your money actually went, not where you thought it went.

3. Revisit (or rebuild) your budget

High income doesn’t eliminate the need for a plan. It just raises the stakes.

4. Update or create a net worth statement

What gets measured gets managed.

5. Review your emergency fund

Make sure you have enough liquidity for unexpected events.

6. Review your overall cash position

Too much cash creates tax drag. Too little creates stress.

Tax Planning

7. Estimate your 2025 tax liability

Don’t wait for surprises in April.

8. Pay estimated taxes by January 15 if needed

Missing this can lead to penalties and unnecessary stress.

9. Know your marginal tax bracket

This drives decisions around Roth conversions, bonuses, and capital gains.

10. Consider strategic Roth conversions

Especially if you can intentionally fill lower tax brackets.

11. Plan capital gains proactively

Harvest gains or losses with purpose, not reactively.

Retirement & Savings Optimization

12. Max out your 401(k) or 403(b)Use higher limits to reduce taxes and build long-term wealth.

13. Take advantage of catch-up contributions if eligible

Especially important for those age 50+ or 60–63.

14. Max out your IRA or Roth IRA for 2025

Don’t miss the April contribution deadline.

15. Plan ahead for IRA or Roth IRA contributions for 2026

Contribution opportunities are easy to miss without planning.

16. Max out your HSA and Dependent Care FSA if eligible

These are often overlooked but highly tax-efficient benefits.

Investments & Equity Compensation

17. Rebalance your portfolio

Ensure your risk level still matches your goals and time horizon.

18. Have a plan for RSUs or stock compensation

Concentration risk and tax timing matter more than short-term performance.

19. Review asset location

Put the right investments in the right accounts (taxable, IRA, Roth).

Insurance & Risk Management

20. Review life insurance coverage

Coverage should reflect income, dependents, and liabilities, not old assumptions.

21. Review disability insurance

Your income is one of your most valuable assets.

22. Review liability coverage

Make sure your assets are protected from lawsuits.

23. Consider or update umbrella insurance

Especially important as income and net worth grow.

Estate, Giving & Organization

24. Review beneficiaries on all accounts

One of the most common and easiest fixes.

25. Review your estate documents

Life events and law changes should trigger updates.

26. Plan charitable giving intentionally

DAFs and QCDs can be powerful tax-planning tools.

Final Thoughts

A strong financial year isn’t about perfection. It’s about being intentional.

You don’t need to do all 26 things to have a great 2026. But the more proactive you are, the fewer surprises you’ll face and the more confident you’ll feel about your plan.

-  Steve Balch, CFP®

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