January is Financial Wellness Month, which makes the start of 2026 a natural moment to check in on your financial health. A financial wellness routine isn’t about being perfect. It’s about gaining clarity, strengthening your habits, and supporting your long-term goals with small, manageable steps.
No matter your age or stage of life, becoming more financially confident begins with understanding where you are today. Explore what financial wellness can look like throughout life and how to begin making progress in 2026.
What is financial wellness?
Financial wellness refers to your overall financial health. It includes how prepared you feel, how well you understand your finances, and how confident you are in your next steps. It’s not just one number but a combination of financial elements.
- Your ability to manage day-to-day expenses
- Your comfort level handling surprises
- Your progress toward goals that matter to you
- Your peace of mind about the future
Financial wellness looks different for everyone. The right goals, habits, and tools depend on your season of life.
Financial wellness tips to jumpstart your year
Just as you schedule routine appointments for your physical or mental health, checking in on your financial health can help you stay prepared throughout the year. Take a few minutes in January to check in on your financial wellness and plan for the year ahead.
- Review what changed (financially, personally, career, etc.) in 2025
- Set clear goals for 2026 (remember, SMART)
- Adjust your saving or spending habits to match your new financial situation
- Understand where support or guidance may be helpful
A pulse check at the start of the year can also reduce stress by giving you a clearer sense of direction.
Financial wellness guidance by age
Kids and teens
Kids and teens are developing early habits and learning how money works. They may include earning small amounts through chores or an allowance, saving for specific goals, or exploring banking basics for the first time.
Goals for 2026
- Build a routine around saving
- Learn to plan and budget for short-term goals
- Understand how banking works
- Gain early awareness of credit basics
Practical steps to reach these goals
- Use a simple save, spend, and share method to build healthy money habits
- Practice budgeting for short-term goals, such as activities or school needs
- Open a youth savings account to introduce banking skills
- Talk about how credit works and why responsible habits matter later
Young adults in their 20s and 30s
This stage often includes starting a career, building credit, managing student loans, planning for major purchases, or navigating new responsibilities. Budgets may shift frequently as your life changes.
Goals for 2026
- Build or strengthen emergency savings
- Pay down high-interest debt
- Establish a clear monthly budget
- Start or increase retirement contributions
- Plan for large purchases or big transitions
Practical steps to reach these goals
- Track income and spending patterns to understand your cash flow
- Automate small transfers to savings to build consistency
- Review your credit report and set reminders for timely payments
- Contribute to retirement savings, even in small increments
- Revisit insurance needs as responsibilities grow
Adults in their 40s and 50s
You may be balancing career growth, supporting children, preparing for education costs, managing debt, or accelerating retirement planning. Your financial picture may feel more complex.
Goals for 2026
- Strengthen retirement savings
- Prepare for future education or caregiving expenses
- Pay down existing debt
- Update insurance and beneficiaries
- Get organized with key financial records
Practical steps to reach these goals
- Review your retirement contribution rate and adjust if needed
- Map out large expenses expected in the next five to ten years
- Evaluate debt payoff strategies to find one that supports your budget
- Update account information after major life changes
- Schedule routine financial checkups to stay organized and prepared
Pre-retirees
If retirement is approaching, you may be focused on understanding how your income, savings, and expenses will come together. Planning ahead can provide clarity and confidence.
Goals for 2026
- Estimate monthly income needs in retirement
- Review Social Security or pension expectations
- Evaluate how long savings may need to last
- Plan for health care and long-term needs
- Organize documents for an easier transition
Practical steps to reach these goals
- Review expected retirement income and compare it with projected expenses (free calculators can help track these numbers)
- Learn how different retirement timelines affect benefits
- Organize financial and household documents so information is easy to find
- Meet with a financial advisor to discuss retirement transitions
- Review insurance and health care coverage as needs evolve
Retirees
Retirement often brings new spending patterns and income structures. You may be focused on maintaining stability, protecting your information, and keeping your financial life organized.
Goals for 2026
- Maintain a clear, sustainable budget
- Monitor distributions and benefit payments
- Stay aware of common fraud trends
- Keep financial documents updated
- Plan for future health or caregiving needs
Practical steps to reach these goals
- Review monthly spending and make adjustments as needed
- Check on distribution schedules and review benefit payments
- Learn about current fraud trends to help protect your information
- Update beneficiaries and consolidate important documents
- Revisit long-term care or support planning
Start 2026 off with confidence
Financial wellness is a lifelong practice. A simple review this January can help you see where you stand today while building momentum for the year ahead. Whether you are just starting out, preparing for retirement, or adjusting to new routines, small steps can help you feel more informed and supported.
If you want personalized guidance, SECU offers a free financial wellness checkup. In this 30-minute session, an advisor can help you review your budget, explore financing options for upcoming purchases, learn about lending opportunities, and clarify your financial goals. Ready to get your finances in check? Schedule your financial wellness checkup with our team today.
