A new year always brings a fresh wave of motivation. We set goals, make resolutions, and promise ourselves that this will be the year we get organized, stay consistent, and build better habits. While many resolutions focus on health or productivity, one of the most impactful areas you can improve is your financial wellness.
At LIS, we believe financial wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And the start of a new year is the perfect time to take small, intentional steps that can make a big difference over time. Here are Tyler & Mick’s top tips to kick off your year with confidence and clarity.
Revisit and Update Your Beneficiaries
Life changes—your beneficiary designations should too.
Whether you’ve recently married, welcomed a child, experienced a loss, or simply haven’t reviewed your accounts in a while, now is the ideal time to confirm that your beneficiaries reflect your current wishes.
A few places to check:
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
- Life insurance policies
- Investment accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) designations
It only takes a few minutes, but it can prevent major complications down the road.
Max Out Your IRA Contributions
If one of your resolutions is to “save more,” your IRA is a great place to start.
For many people, the new year is a clean slate—so consider:
- Setting up automatic monthly contributions
- Increasing your existing contribution by even a small amount
- Planning ahead to reach the annual contribution limit
Consistent contributions, even modest ones, can significantly strengthen your long‑term retirement picture. And if you didn’t max out last year, you may still have time to make prior‑year contributions before tax deadlines. For 2025, you are allowed to contribute $7,000 per person to your Traditional or Roth IRA, along with a $1000 catch-up for those age 50 or older. If you are making contributions for 2026, the maximum limit will increase to $7,500, along with a $1,100 catch-up for age 50 and older. Make sure you update your automatic contributions for 2026 if you have those set up to contribute the maximum amount.
Reassess Your Risk Tolerance
Your investment strategy should evolve as your life does.
The beginning of the year is a natural checkpoint to ask yourself:
- Has my financial situation changed?
- Have my goals shifted?
- How did I feel about market volatility last year?
Your risk tolerance isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of your comfort level, time horizon, and financial priorities. Tyler & Mick can help you evaluate whether your current portfolio still aligns with your long‑term goals.
Automate Your Savings for Stress‑Free Success
If you want to stick to your financial resolutions, automation is your best friend.
Consider automating:
- Monthly savings transfers
- Retirement contributions
- Emergency fund deposits
- College savings plans
Automation removes the guesswork and the temptation to skip a month. It turns good intentions into consistent action—effortlessly.
Start the Year Strong
Financial wellness isn’t achieved overnight. It’s built through small, steady steps that compound over time. By reviewing your beneficiaries, maximizing your retirement contributions, reassessing your risk tolerance, and automating your savings, you’re setting yourself up for a more confident and secure year ahead.
CERIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, Tyler Klyn & Mick Snieder are here to help you make 2025 your most financially empowered year yet. If you’re ready to take the next step—or simply want a second set of eyes on your plan—reach out anytime. We’re in your corner.