How to Improve Your Finances in 2026 [12-Step Financial Checklist]
To improve your finances in 2026, assess your full financial picture, set achievable goals, automate savings, rebuild your emergency fund, increase your 401(k) contributions, and rebalance your 401(k). These 12 steps create a clear roadmap for stronger financial stability in 2026 and beyond.
#1 Get a Clear Picture of Your Finances
Before you can improve your financial life, you need to know exactly where you stand.
Create a complete inventory of:
- Assets (checking, savings, retirement accounts, investments)
- Liabilities (credit cards, loans, mortgage balances)
- Cash flow (monthly income vs. expenses)
Seeing the full picture – even if it’s uncomfortable – can give you the clarity you need to set realistic goals and take control of your money in 2026.
#2 Set Goals You Can Reach
Once you understand your financial starting point, choose a few clear goals for the year.
Think about:
- How much debt you want to eliminate
- What you want to save for
- Where you want your retirement contributions to be
Break each goal into smaller monthly targets so you know exactly what to do each month.
If a goal isn’t financially realistic right now, scale it to something achievable. You can always increase it later.
#3 Make “Pay Yourself First” a Habit
If you want to build wealth, we consider this step non-negotiable.
Each time you get paid, set up your paycheck so money moves into your 401(k), IRA, and savings before you pay anything else.
Automating this process protects you from overspending and helps you to consistently invest in your future – not just paying bills.
#4 Build (or Rebuild) Your Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is the difference between a temporary setback and a long-term financial disaster.
If you don’t have one, start it now.
If yours took a hit last year, make a plan to replenish it.
Tax refunds, bonuses, or extra income are perfect opportunities to give this account a boost without straining your budget.
#5 Make a Plan to Tackle Debt
Debt can quietly drain your financial progress all year long.
Pick a strategy, such as the snowball or avalanche method, and stick with it.
Review your balances monthly, celebrate wins, and adjust as needed.
The more intentional you are early in the year, the more momentum you’ll have later.
#6 Increase Your 401(k) Contributions
If you didn’t adjust your contribution rate last year, Q1 can be the ideal time to bump it up.
Can you increase by 1%? 2%? Even small increases can significantly impact long-term savings.
And always contribute enough to get the full company match. It’s free money for your future.
#7 Get Ahead of Tax Season
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Start gathering documents, reviewing last year’s return, and thinking about how you’ll use any refund you may get.
Would that money be best used to pay off debt? Build savings? Boost retirement contributions?
Make the decision now so you don’t spend it impulsively later.
#8 Rebalance Your 401(k) for the Year Ahead
Markets shift constantly. Your retirement account should adjust with them.
Rebalancing your 401(k) simply means allocating assets differently.
For example, your 50/50 stocks and bonds may need to shift to 72% stocks and 28% bonds to decrease your risk and increase your returns.
Rebalancing doesn’t require you to save or spend money, but it can make a big difference for your retirement account.
If you’re not sure how to rebalance – or don’t have time – professional help from 401(k) Maneuver can take this off your plate.
See how 401(k) Maneuver can help you optimize your 401(k) account balance.
#9 Audit Your Subscriptions and Insurance Policies
Most people waste money every month without realizing it.
Take 10 minutes to review:
- Streaming services
- Apps
- Memberships
- Recurring charges
Cancel anything you don’t use.
Then review your insurance policies: health, auto, and life.
You may qualify for better rates, especially if your circumstances or health have changed.
#10 Use Financial Apps to Stay on Track
Budgeting apps, savings tools, and investment platforms can help you stay organized, automate good habits, and track your progress.
Pick one or two tools that make managing your money easier and more intuitive.
#11 Check Your Credit
Request a copy of your credit report and make sure all the information is correct.
If you’re planning to make a down payment on a home or purchase a car in the next year, make a plan now for how you can increase your credit score.
#12 Don’t Navigate Your Finances Alone
It will be well worth your time to get third-party advice, especially when it comes to something as important as your future finances.
David Blanchett, former Head of Retirement, CFP, CFA at Morningstar, reported that participants that received expert guidance had as much as 40% more income during retirement versus those who received no help at all.[1]
401(k) Maneuver provides professional account management with the goal to help you grow and protect your 401(k).
Our goal is to increase your account performance over time, manage downside risk to minimize losses, and reduce fees that harm your account performance.
There are no time-consuming in-person meetings and nothing new to learn, and you don’t have to move your account.
Simply connect your account to our secure platform, and we regularly review and rebalance your account for you, when necessary.
Check here to learn more about how Maneuver works. (CTA)
Sources
[1] David Blanchet, Morningstar Analyst 2014. The Impact of Expert Guidance on Participant Savings and Investment Behaviors.
https://www.morningstar.com/content/dam/marketing/shared/research/foundational/700098_ExpertGuidance.pdf
