If budgeting is the foundation of a solid financial plan, saving and investing are the engines that move it forward.
As we head into 2026, many people are looking for ways to be more intentional with their money—not by chasing the latest trend, but by making smart, repeatable decisions that add up over time. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to make meaningful progress. A few well-placed moves can create momentum that lasts for years.
Here are several smart actions to consider as you kick off the new year.
Start With the Easiest Win: Max Out Your Employer Match
If you have access to a workplace retirement plan like a 401(k), this should be priority number one.
An employer match is one of the few guaranteed returns in personal finance. If your employer matches a portion of your contributions and you’re not contributing enough to receive the full match, you’re leaving money on the table.
Think about it this way:
A 100% match up to 5% of your salary is an immediate 100% return on your contribution—before the market even comes into play.
If you’re already contributing, take a moment at the start of the year to:
- Confirm the match formula
- Increase your contribution if you received a raise
- Make sure contributions restarted correctly after year-end payroll resets
Small adjustments here can have an outsized impact over time.
Automate Your Saving So Progress Happens in the Background
One of the biggest mistakes people make with saving is relying on willpower.
Automation removes emotion from the process. Whether it’s contributions to a retirement plan, an IRA, or a taxable investment account, automatic contributions help ensure consistency—especially during busy or uncertain seasons.
Even modest increases can make a difference:
- Increase contributions by 1%
- Redirect bonuses or tax refunds
- Set up automatic annual increases
You don’t need perfection. You need consistency.
Make Sure Your Investments Match Your Life
Saving is only half the equation. How your money is invested matters just as much.
As life changes—career growth, family needs, retirement timelines—your investment strategy should evolve too. Many investors set things up once and don’t revisit them for years, even though their circumstances have changed significantly.
This is where coaching becomes invaluable.
A financial advisor doesn’t just pick investments. They help you:
- Align your portfolio with your goals and time horizon
- Understand your risk tolerance in real terms
- Stay disciplined during market volatility
- Avoid emotional decision-making
Investing without guidance often leads to overreacting when markets are down and second-guessing when they’re up. A good advisor helps keep you grounded and focused on the long game.
Don’t Ignore Tax-Smart Saving Opportunities
Where you save can be just as important as how much you save.
Depending on your situation, opportunities might include:
- Roth vs. traditional retirement contributions
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Catch-up contributions for those over 50
- Tax-efficient investment placement
These decisions can have long-term implications for cash flow, flexibility, and taxes in retirement. A coordinated strategy helps ensure you’re not accidentally creating future problems while trying to do the right thing today.
The Most Important Step: Get a Plan, Not Just Products
Saving and investing work best when they’re part of a broader plan.
A financial plan connects the dots between:
- Your income
- Your goals
- Your investments
- Your taxes
- Your timeline
Without that clarity, it’s easy to feel unsure—even when you’re doing “the right things.”
Meeting with a financial advisor early in the year can provide direction, confidence, and accountability. It’s not about timing the market or chasing returns. It’s about building a strategy you can stick with—through good markets and bad.
A Strong Start Sets the Tone
You don’t have to do everything at once. But taking intentional steps at the beginning of the year can set the tone for the months ahead.
Max out the match. Automate your savings. Make sure your investments fit your life. And don’t go it alone.
Progress in 2026 won’t come from one big move—it will come from smart decisions repeated over time.
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This material is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. GenWealth Financial Advisors and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or tax services. Please consult your legal advisor or tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
