Although the holiday season has just begun, we will embark on 2026 before we know it. The new year is a popular time to set goals and resolutions. But history teaches us that nearly 80% of resolutions fail, many within the first weeks. Common reasons for failure include setting vague goals and not making a realistic plan to reach your goals.
“Improving my financial situation” is a popular resolution. But it is likely too vague. Breaking that thought down into a more specific goal, and naming the steps you will take to get there, greatly increase your chances of success. Here are a few examples:
- Rather than simply saying you need to “plan for retirement” in 2026, a more specific goal might be to meet with a financial adviser to make sure you are financially ready for retirement. Steps in your plan might include reaching out to a GuideStream financial adviser, gathering your financial data, making a list of your questions, meeting with the adviser, implementing any necessary changes, and consolidating retirement accounts from previous jobs.
- If you intend to “think about your estate plan” in 2026, a more specific goal might be to have the necessary documents in place within the next three months. Steps you can take include making a list of your questions, reaching out to an FM Financial estate planning professional for an appointment, considering the people you want involved in your plan, and praying about how God wants you to provide for the people and ministries you love in your documents.
- Perhaps you want to “give more” in 2026. A more specific goal may be to begin giving beyond a tithe. Steps you might take include speaking with an FM Financial gift planning professional, setting up a donor advised fund, learning about various tax-wise ways to give, and praying about how you can generously join God where He is already working.
At FM Financial, whenever we meet with clients, we want to leave them with at least one specific, manageable, step that will take them further down the path of wise financial stewardship. We refer to that as your best next step.
If your best next step includes working on some foundational stewardship principles like sticking to a budget, eliminating debt, or saving more intentionally, we have included articles in this newsletter with practical tips to get you started. Feel free to share them with a friend!
Any worthwhile journey begins the same way – with the first step. Take time before the end of the year to think about your financial priorities in 2026. Dare to dream big … but break your dreams down into specific reachable goals. If you have a desire to plan with more purpose, invest with more discipline, or give with more joy, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would consider it a privilege to help you take your best next step.
Mark Olson
President / CEO
Some material presented by GuideStream Financial, an FM Financial company. PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES at: https://guidestreamfinancial.com/important-disclosures/.
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