January is often a time for fresh starts. We clean out closets, set new goals, and promise ourselves that this will be the year we do better. When it comes to personal finances, however, it can be easy to get distracted by the latest headlines, investment trends, or policy changes. In both financial planning and in life, lasting success rarely comes from chasing the latest trend – it comes from mastering the basics and applying them consistently.

Continuing the theme of our CEO Kyle Noack’s article published in the Victoria Advocate on January 12, here are six basic financial steps that you can take to gain ground in 2026, no matter where you are on your financial journey.

Step 1: Build your Emergency Fund

We are all familiar with Murphy’s Law: anything that can go wrong, eventually will. Life has a habit of delivering surprises at the worst possible time: a medical bill, a car repair, or an unexpected job change. An emergency fund acts as a financial shock absorber, helping to prevent unexpected expenses from becoming long-term setbacks. If saving several months of expenses feels overwhelming, start small. First aim for $1,000 in savings to create a quick win and build momentum. Over time, work toward saving three to six months of essential expenses in a specific, readily accessible account.

Step 2: Create a Debt Payoff Plan

Next, take inventory of your debt by listing each outstanding balance along with its interest rate. Whether you choose to pay off the smallest balance first or focus on the highest interest rate, the key is having a plan and sticking with it. Successfully paying down debt requires three changes: a mindset shift toward commitment, habit changes through a structured debt payoff plan, and a values shift toward living within your means and avoiding new debt.

Step 3: Save for Retirement

Once high-interest debt has been paid off, review your employer’s retirement plan. If a match is offered, take full advantage of it – it is essentially free money. A common rule of thumb is to aim for saving 15% of your income, though the right amount depends on your age and goals. Reviewing your budget can help determine what adjustments are needed to move closer to that target.

Step 4: Save for Future Education

If you have children, it is important to discuss post-secondary education funding early. Talk with your spouse about expectations: Will you cover all or part of college costs? Will scholarships, loans, or student work be part of the plan? What type of account will you use for education savings? Starting these conversations early allows you to create a clear strategy and begin saving intentionally.

Step 5: Payoff your Mortgage Early

Some homeowners are carrying higher interest rates from the past few years, while others feel “locked in” to very low rates. Either way, if you have financial flexibility, paying down your mortgage can be a meaningful step toward long-term financial freedom.

Step 6: Financial Freedom

Once debt is eliminated, former debt payments can be redirected toward saving, investing, and charitable giving. At this stage, conversations often shift from valuables to values: What causes matter most? What does long-term success look like? Is early retirement the goal, or does meaningful work remain a priority?

As the new year begins, resist the urge to change everything at once. Focus instead on which step you are on to determine what intentional steps you can take toward progress from there. Reviewing your plan with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional can help ensure you stay on track, build momentum, and make 2026 a year of meaningful financial progress. Wishing you a successful and prosperous year ahead!

David Faskas CFA, CFP® is the Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Planning Officer, and a managing member of Keller Wealth Advisors.

Published in the Victoria Advocate.