The champagne will be popped, the resolutions are being made, and the calendar is flipping to 2026. But while most people focus on fitness or travel plans this time of year, the smartest retirees and pre-retirees are prioritizing something even more impactful:
Their financial future.
Because the truth is, January isn’t just a fresh start for your goals—it’s a golden opportunity to recalibrate your retirement strategy, optimize your taxes, and ensure your money works smarter in the months ahead.
Here’s how to kick off the new year with financial clarity, confidence, and control:
1. Revisit Your Retirement Income Plan
Your income plan shouldn’t be “set it and forget it.” With inflation trends, market shifts, and evolving expenses, now is the time to run a retirement income stress test. Are your withdrawals sustainable? Are you minimizing taxes on your distributions?
Start the year by reviewing:
How much you’ll need monthly to maintain your lifestyle
Which accounts (Roth, Traditional, Taxable) to draw from and in what order
Whether your plan accounts for rising healthcare costs
Pro Tip: Smart withdrawal sequencing can save you thousands in taxes over the life of your retirement.
2. Reset Your Tax Strategy Early
January is a clean slate, which means tax planning isn’t just for April—it’s for now.
Use the early months of 2026 to:
Evaluate whether a Roth conversion makes sense while markets are relatively calm
Identify opportunities for tax-loss harvesting (especially if 2025 was a rocky investment year)
Explore Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) if you’re 70½ or older and charitably inclined
Don’t wait until Q4—by then, your options are limited. The best tax strategies work best when they’re proactive, not reactive.
3. Review Your Legacy Plan
The start of a new year is the perfect time to make sure your estate plan still reflects your wishes.
Ask yourself:
Is my will up to date?
Do my beneficiaries still reflect who I want to inherit what?
Have I had any major life changes (births, deaths, marriages) in the past year?
You’ve worked hard to build a legacy. Make sure it’s protected and passed on exactly how you intend.
4. Set 1–2 Financial Goals for 2026
A new year doesn’t need a laundry list of financial resolutions. Just one or two focused goals can make a real difference.
Here are a few ideas:
“I want to reduce my tax burden by 15% this year.”
“I want to finally consolidate and simplify my old accounts.”
“I want to talk to a professional about long-term care planning.”
Put it on paper. Then take the first step.
5. Get Professional Eyes on Your Plan
There’s power in clarity—and confidence in collaboration.
The retirees who thrive financially aren’t always the wealthiest. They’re the ones who seek out smart advice and stay proactive. Whether you’re managing a seven-figure portfolio or just getting started, the right advisor can help fine-tune your strategy and spot opportunities you may be missing.
Final Thought: New Year, Same Vision—Only Sharper
You don’t need a financial overhaul this January. You just need a reset. A moment to zoom out, look ahead, and make sure your money is aligned with your goals.
At Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management, we specialize in helping retirees and high earners create strategies that grow, protect, and preserve wealth—especially during life’s transitions.
Here’s to 2026: A year of smarter moves, stronger plans, and greater peace of mind.
