Financial Strategies That Worked in 2025 and Still Matter in 2026

Before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, my staff and I want to wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

December is a natural time to pause and reflect—not just on the year behind us, but on the direction we want to head next. As you think back on 2025, consider a few simple questions:

What financial decisions moved you closer to your goals this year?
Where did you feel confident—and where did you feel uncertain?
What habits are worth carrying forward into 2026?

The transition into a new year is a powerful checkpoint. It’s an opportunity to refine what worked, adjust what didn’t, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Focus on Long-Term Financial Health Still Paid Off

2025 reminded us—yet again—that markets can be unpredictable. Interest rates, inflation concerns, global headlines, and short-term volatility made it tempting to react emotionally.

The households that fared best were often the ones who didn’t chase headlines, but instead stayed focused on long-term goals.

What Worked in 2025

Automated savings and retirement contributions
Consistent investing through market ups and downs
Maintaining diversified portfolios aligned with long-term plans

Why This Still Matters in 2026

Short-term market noise doesn’t disappear just because the calendar changes. A disciplined approach—especially for those nearing or already in retirement—remains one of the most reliable ways to build and protect wealth.

Example:
For clients in their late 50s and early 60s, staying invested while gradually adjusting risk helped preserve growth potential without taking unnecessary chances. Those who avoided emotional decisions often felt more confident as the year progressed.

Year-End Tax Planning Proved Its Value

Many individuals used 2025 to fine-tune their tax strategies, and those efforts often paid off. Thoughtful tax planning isn’t about one big move—it’s about a series of intentional decisions.

Strategies That Made a Difference

Maximizing retirement account contributions
Using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) strategically
Reviewing capital gains and losses
Timing income and deductions carefully

As the year closes, reviewing your own contributions and strategies before December 31 may still uncover opportunities to reduce taxable income or avoid surprises come tax season.

Looking ahead to 2026: Tax planning remains an ongoing process. Starting the year with a strategy—not scrambling in April—can reduce stress and improve outcomes.

Smart Debt Management Reduced Financial Stress

One of the quieter wins of 2025 was debt reduction. Many households made meaningful progress by addressing high-interest debt and simplifying their financial lives.

Actions That Paid Off

Paying down credit cards with high interest rates
Consolidating or refinancing loans when appropriate
Avoiding new unnecessary debt

Why This Matters Going Forward

Reducing debt isn’t just about saving on interest—it’s about improving cash flow and flexibility. Entering 2026 with fewer obligations creates room to save, invest, and enjoy life with less financial pressure.

Example:
Several families we worked with redirected money from paid-off credit cards toward retirement savings or emergency funds—small changes that added up quickly over time.

Financial Education Was a Powerful Asset

One consistent theme we saw in 2025: knowledge builds confidence.

Clients who took time to better understand their finances—whether through webinars, reading, or working closely with a financial planner—often made calmer, more informed decisions.

Education Helps You:

Avoid emotional reactions during market volatility
Ask better questions
Understand tradeoffs between risk, growth, and income

Financial education isn’t about becoming an expert—it’s about knowing enough to make decisions with intention instead of fear.

As financial rules, markets, and personal circumstances evolve, ongoing education remains one of the most valuable tools you can carry into 2026.

Reflection Leads to Better Decisions

As you prepare for the new year, consider taking a few minutes to reflect:

Are your financial goals still the same as they were a year ago?
Has your retirement timeline changed?
Are your savings, investments, and income strategies aligned with the life you want to live?

For some, 2026 may be about fine-tuning. For others, it may be about resetting priorities after a major life change—retirement, a new job, caring for family, or downsizing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is having a plan that evolves with you.

Closing the Year Strong—and Looking Ahead

The strategies that worked in 2025 weren’t flashy or complicated. They were rooted in discipline, consistency, education, and long-term thinking—and those same principles will continue to matter in 2026 and beyond.

If you’re ready to close the year strong and enter the new one with confidence, we’re here to help you build a strategy that supports the life you envision.

Let’s Start 2026 With a Clear Plan

To learn more about how Great Lakes Benefits & Wealth Management can partner with you to develop a cohesive, prudent strategy for your lifestyle and financial goals, we invite you to connect with us.

Call (866) 626-3990
Schedule a no-obligation discovery call

Whether you’re refining an existing plan or starting fresh, a conversation now can make a meaningful difference in the year ahead.