Structured investing, lower debt, no FOMO: Your 2026 money goals

Approach-oriented goals and small, achievable steps significantly improve the chances of long-term success

- Shefali Anand

The start of the year is a good time to make a resolution to get your finances in order, but start by setting the right goals. How you frame your resolutions is crucial to your likelihood of achieving them.

People “with approach-oriented goals were significantly more successful in sustaining their New Year's resolutions compared to those with avoidance-oriented goals,” says one study by a professor of psychology at Stockholm University, Sweden, and others. So, come up with goals about what you want to achieve rather than something you wish to avoid.

Think: I will build an emergency fund, and not: I want to avoid a financial crunch. And, start with a small step. “You can’t just randomly, on 1 January, change yourself,” said Krishna Rath, a Bhubaneshwar-based registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). If you keep too big a target, it can create a mental block.

“Never attempt to go the whole hog immediately. It will be challenging and daunting,” said Steven Nelson Fernandes, a Sebi-registered investment adviser and founder of Proficient Financial Planners in Thane.

Sample this: “If you have not been saving at all, start with a 5-10% savings,” he said. After a few months, see if you can increase that amount and build a habit. With these framing tips in mind, here are resolutions to help improve your finances this year:

Reassess or set financial goals

If you have a plan, review your progress toward achieving your goals and identify any adjustments needed. If you don’t have a plan, or lack clarity on your budget, investments, savings or insurance, then get started.

Mark a weekend in coming weeks to sort through your financial life. List bank accounts, insurance and investment products, and debts that you need to pay, either on paper or in an excel sheet. Make a budget.