The Fidelis Monthly Newsletter – Built With You in Mind
We know life moves fast, and financial decisions matter. That’s why we’re bringing you a monthly roundup of practical advice, market insights, reminders, and maybe just a bit of Fidelis fun to help you stay on track. We’re glad you’re here!
New Year, New You: A Fresh Start for Your Financial Future
The new year is often seen as a chance to reset, refresh, and refocus. While many resolutions center around health and wellness, there’s another area of life that deserves the same intentional attention: your financial well-being.
At Fidelis Wealth Advisors, we believe that true wealth isn’t just about what’s in your bank account, it’s about creating a life where you can thrive, not just survive. This year, let’s approach financial planning with the same energy and commitment you’d bring to any other important goal.
The Health & Wealth Connection
There’s a reason “health is wealth” has become such a common phrase, the two are deeply interconnected. Financial stress can impact physical and mental health, leading to sleep problems, anxiety, and even chronic health conditions. Conversely, health challenges often come with financial consequences, from medical bills to lost income.
The good news? Just like building physical health, building financial health is about consistent, intentional choices over time. Small, sustainable changes compound into significant results. You don’t need to overhaul your entire financial life overnight, you just need to start somewhere.
The parallels are striking:
- Physical health requires consistent exercise and good nutrition; financial health requires consistent saving and smart spending habits
- Physical health benefits from regular check-ups; financial health benefits from regular plan reviews
- Physical health improves when you automate good habits; financial health grows when you automate savings and investments
- Physical health requires saying no to short-term temptations; financial health requires distinguishing between wants and needs
When you take control of your financial wellness, you reduce stress, sleep better, and create more opportunities to invest in your physical and mental health. It’s a positive cycle that strengthens every area of your life.
Financial Resolutions That Actually Work
Most New Year’s resolutions fail by February and not because people lack willpower, but because they’re too vague, too ambitious, or not tied to a real plan. Financial resolutions are no different.
Instead of “save more money” or “get out of debt,” you can try these strategic approaches:
1. Make It Automatic
The most successful financial habit is the one you don’t have to think about. Set up automatic transfers to savings accounts, automatic increases to your 401(k) contributions, and automatic bill payments. When good financial behavior happens without requiring daily willpower, it sticks.
Action step: Choose one financial task to automate this month, whether it’s $50 to savings on payday or increasing your retirement contribution by 1%.
2. Focus on One Goal at a Time
Trying to max out your 401(k), build a six-month emergency fund, pay off debt, save for a house, and fund your kids’ college accounts all at once is overwhelming. Pick your top priority for the first quarter and make meaningful progress there before adding another goal.
Action step: Identify your #1 financial priority for Q1 2026 and create a specific, measurable goal around it.
3. Review and Reset Regularly
Financial planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” activity. Markets change, life circumstances shift, and goals evolve. Schedule quarterly money check-ins to review progress, adjust contributions, and celebrate wins.
Action step: Put four “financial review” dates on your calendar for 2026, one for each quarter.
4. Get Professional Guidance
You wouldn’t try to diagnose your own health issues without seeing a doctor. The same principle applies to your financial health. A financial advisor can help you see blind spots, optimize strategies, and create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique situation.
Action step: If you haven’t had a financial planning review in the past year, schedule one now.
Your Fresh Start Financial Checklist
Ready to make 2026 your strongest financial year yet? Here’s where to start:
☐ Review your 2025 financial year
- What worked well? What didn’t?
- Did any major life changes occur that affect your plan?
- Are you closer to or further from your goals than you expected?
☐ Update your budget for 2026
- Account for any income changes (raises, new jobs, etc.)
- Identify areas where spending crept up in 2025
- Build in “fun money” so your budget is sustainable
☐ Check your retirement contributions
- Are you getting the full employer match on your 401(k)?
- Can you increase your contribution percentage by even 1-2%?
- Review the 2026 contribution limits and see if you can take advantage
☐ Build or boost your emergency fund
- Aim for 3-6 months of expenses in an accessible account
- Start small if needed, even $500 is better than $0
- Consider automatic payroll deductions to make it painless
☐ Review your insurance coverage
- Life insurance: Is your coverage still adequate for your family’s needs?
- Health insurance: Did you optimize during open enrollment?
- Disability insurance: Are you protected if you can’t work?
☐ Check beneficiaries
- Review all accounts (retirement, life insurance, bank accounts)
- Update if you’ve had marriages, divorces, births, or deaths in the family
- Don’t let outdated beneficiary designations derail your estate plan
☐ Get your estate planning documents in order
- Do you have a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive?
- Have these been reviewed in the past 3-5 years?
- Do they reflect your current wishes and circumstances?
☐ Plan for taxes
- Consider tax-loss harvesting opportunities
- Review Roth conversion strategies
- Ensure you’re maximizing tax-advantaged accounts
Let’s Build Your 2026 Plan Together
Fresh starts are exciting, but they work best when paired with expert guidance and a clear roadmap. The Fidelis Wealth Advisors team is here to help you turn your financial intentions into actionable strategies that fit your life, your goals, and your values.
Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to optimize an existing plan, we’re ready to partner with you. From retirement planning and investment management to insurance reviews and estate planning coordination, we take a holistic approach to help you move from surviving to thriving.
Ready to make 2026 your best financial year yet?
Contact us to schedule a planning session with one of our advisors. Let’s create a plan that works for you, and actually sticks this time.
📧 Email: loyalty@fidelis-wealth.com
📞 Phone: (303) 800-4683
🌐 Web: www.fidelis-wealth.com
Here’s to a year of intentional financial wellness and thriving in every area of your life.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Fidelis Wealth Advisors is a registered investment adviser; registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.
