Start the Year Strong: 5 Financial Checks to Do in January
January is a time for fresh starts. The pace slows down, the sun comes out, and many of us finally get the headspace to think about the bigger picture. Among the resolutions to exercise more or clear out the garage, there’s one area that often gets overlooked — your financial wellbeing.
A few simple checks at the beginning of the year can make a huge difference to your peace of mind and long-term security. Here are five smart financial steps to set yourself up for a confident and organised 2026.
1. Review Your Insurance Policies - Especially After Christmas Purchases
The holiday season often comes with new gadgets, jewellery, bikes, tools, or even a new car. While we love unwrapping exciting upgrades, many people forget to check whether their insurance still matches what they own or what their family needs.
January is the perfect time to:
Make sure new items are properly insured
Review whether your life, health, trauma, or income protection still fits your current situation
Update any sums insured or add-ons if your lifestyle or income has changed
Your insurance should grow and shift with your life - not lag behind it.
2. Check Your Beneficiaries (Including KiwiSaver)
Beneficiaries are one of those “set and forget” details… until something happens and they’re suddenly very important.
Take a few minutes to make sure:
Your life insurance beneficiaries are correct
Your KiwiSaver details are up to date
Any joint policies still reflect your wishes
Major life changes - a relationship change, a new baby, a blended family - are all reasons to revisit who you’ve nominated.
3. Update Your Will if Your Life Has Changed
Wills are a crucial tool for avoiding stress and disputes if something unexpected happens.
You should review your will if you’ve:
Welcomed a new child or grandchild
Entered or ended a relationship
Bought or sold property
Started a business
Experienced a change in health
Even small changes in your life can impact how you want your estate handled. If your will no longer reflects your wishes, January is a great time to update it.
4. Refresh Your Budget for 2026
December’s festivities can make any budget wobble. January is the ideal reset month to get things back on track - or set up a new system entirely.
A quick budget refresh can include:
Reviewing your spending from last year
Re-establishing savings goals
Checking your emergency fund
Planning for known expenses (school costs, rates, travel, or maintenance)
Adjusting for any increases in household costs
A clear plan early in the year helps reduce stress later.
5. Look Ahead: What Do You Want to Achieve This Year?
Once you’ve reviewed the essentials, take a moment to think bigger.
Do you want to:
Get mortgage-free sooner?
Increase your KiwiSaver contributions?
Grow your investments?
Strengthen your protection for your family?
January gives you the breathing room to map out your financial goals, whether they’re small adjustments or major milestones.
Start the Year on Solid Ground
Taking action now means you can head into 2026 with confidence. And the good news is you don’t have to navigate it alone — New Vision Financial Services is here to help you review your policies, update your plans, and make sure everything is aligned with your goals.
A stronger financial year starts today. If you’d like a personalised financial review, get in touch — we’re here to support every step.
Nimalka Perera
Business Development Manager
New Vision Financial Services
Plan your future and let us help you have peace of mind along the way.
