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Every January, getting in shape tops the list of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But what about improving your financial fitness? If you’re looking to start 2026 with more confidence, it may be time to take a fresh look at your finances.

In this episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® walk through six practical steps to enhancing your financial fitness as retirement approaches.

1. Shift Your Financial Mindset

As you enter retirement, your definition of success with money changes. During your working years, when you were earning and growing your money, you had ample time to recover from a market downturn.

Retirement, however, represents a significant financial transition — from earning, saving, and growing your money to generating income. Now, success means preserving your assets, minimizing taxes, and sustaining a reliable income stream.

2. Decide Whether to Work with An Advisor

If you’re looking for guidance from a financial advisor, it’s important to find someone you trust. As you get closer to retirement age, you want to work with a professional who specializes in retirement planning. Rather than simply finding the “best” funds, they should be able to decide whether an investment can actually support your lifestyle.

3. Prepare for Your Meeting

During an initial visit with a financial advisor, the goal is to gain a better understanding of your situation and identify your concerns. For a productive meeting, make sure to bring a recent tax return, investment statements, and income and expense reports.

Just as important, prepare to share your financial goals and aspirations for what you want the next 20 to 30 years to look like. Ultimately, it’s about connecting your numbers to your unique vision of retirement.

4. Plan for Future Income

Income planning is the foundation of retirement planning. A financial planner can help you build an income plan in a sustainable, flexible, and inflation-aware way. As you prepare for future income, the goal is to feel more comfortable about spending your hard-earned money. That all stems from the comprehensive strategy you and your advisor put in place.

5. Understand Your Investment Risk

Once you understand your income needs, you can better determine your appropriate level of investment risk. Start by segmenting your money based on purpose and time horizon. Keep short-term income needs in low-risk investments and invest long-term funds more aggressively for future growth.

This approach helps to align risk with your spending timeline and provides peace of mind. You’ll sleep better at night knowing there’s money set aside for stability, growth, and flexibility.

6. Face The Reality of Your Finances

Finally, take an honest look at your current situation and areas of improvement. Once you know where you stand financially, you’ll be better prepared to move your plan forward. We’d be happy to help guide that conversation whenever you’re ready.

Are you wondering if you’re ready to retire? Get your free Are You Ready to Retire? Starter Kit by texting “KIT” to 800-757-0436.