It's never too soon to plan ahead so you can build up that nest egg

IT MAY seem too early to be thinking about next year, but when it comes to finances, the decisions you make today could set the tone for the rest of your life.

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Whether you're trying to rebuild savings, get investing or just make sense of what the next year might bring, action now goes a long way.

So, here are six things you can start doing for a financially better 2026.

Get clear on your priorities

There's no point trying to manage your money if you haven't defined what you're managing it for.

One of the most effective moves you can make now is to know what your intentions are. "Write down your own financial priorities whether it is being debt free, helping your children, or having enough money to retire and allocate a specific amount of your disposable income to these," explains Iain McLeod, head of private clients at wealth management firm St James's Place.

Iain says it's worth getting expert help if you're unsure: "Seek financial advice to ensure that these savings are working harder for you.

Should you save, invest or spend?

With inflation still above the Bank of England's target and interest rates holding at 4.25 per cent, it's easy to feel stuck between stockpiling cash and making big purchases before prices rise. But timing the market or second-guessing interest rates isn't the point.