Get Ahead in 2026: Your financial planning checklist.

A new year is more than a calendar reset — it’s an opportunity to get intentional about your money and what you do with it. Whether you’re building wealth, protecting what you’ve already accumulated, or planning for major life milestones, having a plan will help you get there. Most successful plans include a checklist of tasks, needs or goals required for the plan to succeed, so to help you get going in 2026, we’re offering a financial planning checklist that can help you start 2026 with confidence.

Our checklist focuses on the fundamentals that matter most for households who want clarity, control, and momentum going into the new year.

Before setting new goals, it’s essential to understand where you stand today.

Take a Net Worth Snapshot

Your net worth is simply what you own minus what you owe, but it’s one of the most revealing financial metrics. Start by listing:

• Assets: checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, retirement plans, real estate, business interests, and other valuables
• Liabilities: mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and other obligations

Reviewing your net worth annually helps you spot trends, measure progress, and identify areas that may need attention — such as high-interest debt or underutilized savings.

Review Your Credit Report

Your credit profile affects everything from borrowing costs to financial flexibility. At least once a year, review your credit reports from all three major bureaus to:

• Confirm account accuracy
• Find errors or fraudulent activity
• Understand how balances and payment history affect your score

Strong credit is a strategic asset, especially for households considering refinancing, real estate purchases, or future liquidity needs.

Verify the organization’s tax-exempt status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible, but contributions to other entity types may not be. Be careful with social media fundraising and crowdfunding requests. These may not qualify for tax deductions and might not have the oversight of established charities.

Consider the charity’s mission alignment with your values and its measurable impact. Does the organization publish annual reports with specific outcomes? Can they demonstrate how donations translate into real-world results? Effective charities are transparent about their successes and challenges.

Financial plans aren’t “set it and forget it.” Inflation, market shifts, and personal changes can quickly make old assumptions outdated.

Revisit Spending and Savings Targets

Inflation affects everyday expenses as well as long-term goals like retirement, education funding, and travel. Review your budget and savings contributions to ensure they still align with today’s costs — and tomorrow’s expectations.

Ask yourself:

• Are emergency reserves still sufficient given higher living expenses?
• Do retirement contribution levels reflect updated income and cost projections?
• Are investment strategies aligned with your time horizon and risk tolerance?

Account for Life Transitions

Career changes, business growth, marriage, divorce, children, aging parents, or downsizing all have financial ripple effects. The start of the year is an ideal time to recalibrate goals based on what’s changed — or what’s coming next.

High-income and high–net-worth households, in particular, benefit from coordinated planning that considers cash flow, tax strategy, estate considerations, and long-term legacy goals.