January Reset: Get Your Money Right for 2026

There's something about January that feels like a fresh start, isn't there? A clean slate. A chance to get things right. And if you're looking to make this year better financially than the last, now is the perfect time to get your budget together.

But here's the thing—getting your budget together doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire financial life in one overwhelming weekend. It's about making smart, manageable adjustments that set you up for success all year long.

Let me walk you through some key areas to focus on this January.

Break Down Your Annual Contributions

If you contribute to an HSA or IRA, January is the perfect time to figure out your monthly strategy.

First, let's look at the 2026 contribution limits set by the IRS:

• IRA (Traditional or Roth): $7,500 ($8,600 if you're 50 or older with the $1,100 catch-up)
• HSA: $4,400 for individual coverage, $8,750 for family coverage (plus $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older)

Here's what I recommend: divide your target contribution amount by 12. That's your monthly contribution goal.

For example, if you want to max out your IRA at $7,500 for the year, that's $625 per month. Breaking it down this way makes it feel less intimidating and more achievable. You're not scrambling at the end of the year trying to find thousands of dollars—you're spreading it out in manageable chunks throughout the year.

The same goes for HSA contributions. Figure out what you'll need for the year, divide it up, and set it on autopilot. Future you will thank present you.

And don't forget: if these contributions are invested (like in an HSA or IRA), you're giving your money more time to potentially grow throughout the year, rather than making a lump-sum contribution in December.

Revisit Your Budget

When was the last time you actually looked at your budget? Really looked at it?

January is the time to pull it out, dust it off, and make any necessary adjustments for the new year. Things change—maybe your rent went up, maybe you got a raise, or maybe you realized you're spending way more on takeout than you thought.

Here's what to do:

• Review your income and expenses from last year
• Identify categories where you overspent or underspent
• Adjust your budget to reflect your current reality and goals
• Set specific savings goals for the year (emergency fund, vacation, down payment, etc.)
• Set up or adjust automatic transfers to your savings accounts

The key is making your budget work for you, not the other way around. If it's not realistic, you won't stick to it.

Review Your Subscriptions

Be honest: how many subscription services are you paying for that you don't actually use?

Streaming services, gym memberships, apps, meal kits, magazines—they all add up. And in many cases, we forget we're even paying for them.

Take 30 minutes this month to:

• List out all your subscriptions (check your bank and credit card statements if you need to)
• Ask yourself: Do I use this regularly? Does it bring me value?
• Keep the ones you love
• Cancel the rest

You might be surprised how much you can save. Even cutting $50-$100 per month in unused subscriptions adds up to $600-$1,200 over the year. That's real money that could go toward your savings goals instead.

Bump Up Your Retirement Contributions

If you're contributing to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, consider increasing your contribution by at least one percent this year.

Just one percent. That's it.

If you're currently contributing 5%, bump it to 6%. If you're at 10%, go to 11%. You likely won't even notice the difference in your paycheck, but your future self will absolutely notice the difference in your retirement account.

If you got a raise recently, this is especially easy—just redirect that extra income straight to retirement before you get used to having it in your take-home pay.

It's Not Just About Money

Here's something I really want you to hear: this concept of breaking things into manageable chunks doesn't just apply to money. It applies to everything.

Want to read more? Don't say, "I'm going to read 50 books this year." Instead, commit to reading a certain number of pages or chapters each day or week. Make it small enough that it's achievable.

Want to take a course? Don't wait until the pressure of a deadline forces you to cram. Break it into monthly sections. I personally take courses for continuing education credit every month instead of waiting until the end of the year. It makes it so much less intimidating and so much more doable.

Want to build a new habit? Start with something tiny. Two minutes a day. Five minutes. Whatever feels sustainable.

The principle is the same: small, consistent actions over time lead to big results. Whether it's money, learning, health, or personal growth—manageable chunks are the way to go.

Make This Year Different

You don't have to do everything perfectly. You don't have to overhaul your entire life in January. But you do have to start somewhere.

Pick one or two things from this list. Maybe it's reviewing your subscriptions and bumping up your retirement contribution. Maybe it's setting up those automatic IRA transfers and adjusting your budget. Start there.

The goal isn't perfection. The goal is progress. The goal is to be a little bit better with your money this year than you were last year.

You've got this. Let's make this year count.

✨Managing Money Like a Boss is about taking small, smart actions that add up to big wins.✨