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Five tips for financial New Year’s resolutions

Jan 27, 2026 | RBC Wealth Management


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For individuals and families, 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities. Commit to resolutions for resilience, growth and legacy.

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Tip 1: Reinvent emergency liquidity for complex lifestyles

The foundation of financial stability begins with liquidity, as traditional savings accounts no longer suffice for households with significant assets. Instead, individuals and families should think about constructing a strategic liquidity reserve designed to weather extended market disruptions. [Paragraph space intentional here for better audience experience for web by writer/editor SV even though not in the print version per designer and named PCG NEWS QC.] This could mean targeting 12–24 months of living expenses, held in instruments like cash sweeps or high-yield savings accounts, short-term treasuries or municipal bonds that balance accessibility and yield. Something else to think about is automating replenishment from portfolios, which could help avoid depletion and enable you to see reserves remain robust without manual intervention.

Tip 2: Conduct a financial health reality check-up

Wealth complexities can often mask risks. Annually, audit your financial ecosystem with these priorities:
Asset alignment — Reassess allocations against shifting economic tides, such as inflationary pressures or sector rotations
Tax efficiency — Identify hidden leaks in portfolios, such as overlapping capital gains or underutilized loss harvesting
Risk exposure — Stress-test concentrations (e.g., real estate, equities) against scenarios like prolonged volatility

Tip 3: Diversify beyond the familiar

Traditional portfolios could see inconsistencies in 2026’s landscape. Strategically allocating to private credit, venture capital or real assets (e.g., agricultural land) could be a strategy worth looking at. Even digital assets, when approached via institutional-grade custodians, can serve as portfolio diversifiers. The key is intentionality: align alternatives with your risk appetite and long-term financial objectives.

Tip 4: Fortify family legacy and governance

Wealth erosion often stems from poor succession planning. Establish family governance frameworks—regular forums to educate heirs on stewardship and values-based investing. Involve the next generation early through structured mentorship and co-investment opportunities. For families with more than $10 million in assets, formalize operations via a single-family office, centralizing investment oversight, tax-sensitive investment strategies and philanthropic initiatives under one roof.

Tip 5: Navigate regulatory crosscurrents

Anticipate tighter scrutiny in 2026. Enhanced SEC rules around private placements and special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) may impact deal flow, while global initiatives like common reporting standards (CRS) expansions demand rigorous beneficial ownership transparency. Proactively audit compliance across jurisdictions to help avoid penalties. By embracing some of these New Year’s resolution tips, you have the opportunity to transform ambiguity into clarity. Work with your financial advisor and tailor these strategies so you can see your wealth not only enduring but thriving in 2026 and beyond.

 

Your financial future deserves precision. Contact your financial advisor to engage in a deeper discussion in 2026.

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Wealth planning