3 Things 1-12-26

Thing One

Three Financial Resolutions That Would Be a Smart Move for 2026

As you’re working on maintaining those resolutions you made on New Year’s day, here are three financial resolutions you might considering adding.  We believe they would serve most people well in 2026.

First, resolve to get clearer on your cash flow.Before returns, before markets, before strategy—cash flow matters. Knowing where money is coming in, where it’s going, and what flexibility you have creates the foundation for everything else. Clarity here reduces stress and makes better decisions easier, especially when unexpected expenses or market volatility show up.

Second, resolve to align risk with your real life—not headlines.Being confident about taking risks when markets are calm and uncomfortable when they’re volatile are both no-brainers as far as it goes but they’re not necessarily the best ways to build wealth over time. Unfortunately, this is how many people go about investing.  As such, they often buy high and sell low (or at least hold low for longer).  A smarter approach is making sure your investment strategy matches your timeline, income stability, and goals—not the most recent market cycle. When risk is aligned with real life, it becomes much easier to stay disciplined through uncertainty.

Third, resolve to put structure around decision-making.Most financial mistakes don’t come from lack of knowledge. They come from emotional decisions made in stressful moments. Automating savings, setting clear review points, and having agreed-upon rules for adjustments can remove a lot of pressure. Good structure turns good intentions into habits.

These resolutions aren’t about predicting what markets will do in 2026. They’re about building a system that works regardless of what markets do.

And if setting up that system—or sticking with it—feels difficult, that’s not a personal failure. It’s often where having an outside perspective and accountability can help. The right guidance isn’t about control; it’s about clarity and consistency.  Let us know if we can help.

Thing Two

One of the Most Overlooked Pieces of a Financial Plan

Life insurance is rarely about you. It’s about the people who would have to pick up the pieces if you weren’t here tomorrow. If someone depends on your income to maintain their standard of living—or if you want to leave your family in a stronger position rather than a stressful one—this is a conversation worth having.

One of the reasons life insurance gets delayed is that it doesn’t feel urgent. When things are going well, it’s easy to assume there will be time to address it later. Unfortunately, I’ve seen enough real-life situations to know that “later” doesn’t always arrive on schedule.

I’ve worked with families who lost a primary income earner unexpectedly and were immediately faced with mortgage payments, childcare costs, and everyday expenses—without the income they were built around. Grief is difficult on its own. Having to make major financial decisions at the same time makes it even harder.

I’ve also seen cases where someone passed away with modest savings and no life insurance, leaving loved ones scrambling just to cover final expenses. Funeral and related costs can add up quickly, and without planning, that burden often falls on family members who are already emotionally overwhelmed.

Then there are the quieter consequences. A surviving spouse who delays retirement indefinitely. A child whose education plans change. A family business that has to be sold sooner than planned. These outcomes aren’t the result of neglect or bad intentions—they’re usually the result of something important never being put in place.

The reality is this: if your estate isn’t large enough to financially take care of the people who depend on you, life insurance becomes a critical planning tool. At a minimum, final expenses should be covered so loved ones aren’t forced to absorb that cost. Ideally, coverage is more substantial—enough to replace income, pay off major liabilities, or provide meaningful financial stability during a difficult transition.

Life insurance isn’t about predicting tragedy. It’s about responsibility and preparation. It creates breathing room when clarity is hardest to find and gives families time to adjust without being forced into rushed decisions.

People rarely regret having coverage in place. But I’ve seen many families wish it had been addressed sooner.

If this is something you’ve been meaning to review—or haven’t looked at in years—it may be worth revisiting. Making sure the right coverage is in place is one of the most practical ways to care for the people who matter most.

Thing Three

"You will never find time for anything. If you want the time, you must make it." - Charles Buxton