START THE YEAR FOCUSED ON YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH
January is more than just a fresh start—it’s National Financial Wellness Month, a nationwide reminder to pause, reflect, and reset your financial goals for the year ahead. While many focus on health and fitness this time of year, your financial well-being deserves just as much attention—especially if you’re approaching or already enjoying retirement.
Why? Because financial wellness isn’t just about numbers in an account. It’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for what’s next.
What Does Financial Wellness Really Mean?
Financial wellness goes far beyond budgeting or saving money. It means having a clear understanding of your finances, a plan to meet your short- and long-term goals, and the confidence that you’re making smart decisions about your future.
For retirees and pre-retirees, it also means:
- Knowing where your income will come from each month
- Minimizing taxes on retirement withdrawals
- Planning for rising health care costs
- Making sure your estate plan is up to date
- Aligning your spending with your lifestyle and values
January is the perfect time to check in on each of these areas and ensure your retirement plan is still working for you—not the other way around.
The Consequences of Neglecting Financial Wellness in Retirement
Skipping regular financial checkups can lead to serious issues over time. Many retirees unintentionally overspend in their early years, miscalculate their tax exposure, or forget to adjust their investment strategy as their goals evolve. Others delay making important decisions about Social Security, long-term care, or legacy planning—only to find themselves unprepared when it matters most.
That’s why taking time this January to review your plan isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Start 2026 With a Plan That Supports Your Peace of Mind
The good news? Financial wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re trying to decide the best way to draw income, reduce taxes, or update your legacy plan, you don’t have to do it alone.
This month is the ideal time to:
- Revisit your withdrawal strategy
- Rebalance your portfolio to match your goals
- Review health care and long-term care plans
- Confirm or update your beneficiaries
- Set a retirement lifestyle budget for the new year
By checking in on your financial health now, you can make more confident decisions for the rest of the year—and beyond.
Take Charge of Your Retirement with the HFP S.T.A.R. Strategy
At Heritage Financial Planning, our proprietary HFP S.T.A.R. Strategy (Seasonal Transition into Advanced Retirement) helps retirees and pre-retirees move from financial uncertainty to lasting confidence. From income planning and investment strategies to tax positioning and legacy planning, our comprehensive approach keeps your plan aligned with every season of life.
Contact our office to schedule your personalized financial wellness checkup today and start 2026 with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind.
Click here to learn more about our HFP STAR Strategy process.
Sources:
- National Financial Wellness Month Info: https://nationaltoday.com/financial-wellness-month/
- Fidelity: Financial Wellness and Retirement – https://www.fidelity.com
- CFP Board: Financial Wellness in Retirement – https://www.letsmakeaplan.org
- Heritage Financial Planning: https://heritagefinancialplanning.net/about/heritage-financial-star-strategy/
