As confetti settles and another year begins, millions of Americans make resolutions to improve their lives. Yet one resolution often gets overlooked despite its profound impact: getting finances in order.
A well-structured financial plan transforms not just bank accounts, but peace of mind and long-term security. January offers the perfect opportunity to take control of your financial future.
Start With Where You Stand
Before anything else, you need to understand your current position. Gather bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, debts, and insurance policies. Create a comprehensive net worth statement listing all assets and liabilities. This assessment provides clarity before moving forward.
Essential Steps for Financial Organization
- Begin by analyzing last year’s spending patterns and eliminating unused subscriptions. Automate your savings so money moves to your goals before you can spend it elsewhere.
- Review your retirement contributions to ensure you’re capturing your full employer 401(k) match and maximizing 2026 tax-advantaged opportunities. If you received a raise recently, consider increasing your contribution percentage.
- Build an emergency fund with 3 to 6 months of expenses. If this seems daunting, start with $1,000 and grow from there.
- Review all insurance policies to reflect life changes and update beneficiaries on estate documents. If you haven’t created wills and powers of attorney, make this a priority.
Beyond the Basics
Once fundamentals are addressed, consider tax planning strategies like Roth conversions and charitable giving. Rebalance your investment portfolio to maintain your desired risk level and develop a systematic approach to eliminate high-interest debt.
Professional Guidance Makes the Difference
If this feels overwhelming to you, speaking with one of our 17 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals can help you avoid pitfalls, stay accountable, and navigate the complex financial landscape. For over 40 years, Certified Financial Group has helped Central Florida families build financial clarity and confidence. This January, make the resolution that truly matters. Contact us to schedule your comprehensive financial review and take control of your financial future. Whether you need help getting to or through retirement, we’re here to start Planning Tomorrow…Today!®
Contact Us:
407-869-9800
