Start Strong: 5 Smart Financial Moves to Make in January 2026

New year, clear goals, and a stronger financial future – starting now

January is more than just a fresh start. For many healthcare professionals, business owners, and high earners, it’s a powerful window to take control of your finances before the tax year ends in April.

At FTA Financial & Wealth Management, we believe the best outcomes come from early action, clear planning, and small, consistent steps – especially in a year like 2026, where tax rules are changing and economic uncertainty remains high.

Here are five smart financial actions to consider as you step into the New Year.

1. Use Your Tax Allowances Before April

You have until 5th April 2026 to make use of this year’s tax allowances

Key allowances to be aware of:

• ISA contributions – You can contribute £20,000 per person in the 2025/26 tax-year
• Personal Pension contributions – You can contribute the higher of; the standard annual allowance of £60,000 or your relevant earnings. You can carry forward unused allowances from the previous 3 tax-years meaning you may be able to contribute a maximum of £220,000 in the 2025/26 tax-year. (Subject to relevant earnings).
• Company Pension contributions – You can contribute from profits in your Ltd Co, if available, and these contributions can be offset against corporation tax. Again, your allowance is the higher of; the standard annual allowance of £60,000 or your relevant company profits. You can carry forward unused allowances from the previous 3 tax-years meaning you may be able to contribute a maximum of £220,000 in the 2025/26 tax-year. (Subject to relevant company profits).
• Capital Gains Tax exemption  – You can realise capital gains from all sources up to £3,000 in the 2025/26 tax-year without paying further tax. Losses from historic tax-years can be carried forward to offset gains made in the current tax-year indefinitely.
• Gifts to family members  – You can gift a total of £3,000 each tax-year (plus small gifts of £250 per person) which will immediately be outside of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. You can carry forward unused allowances for one tax-year only.

Action: Sit down with your adviser now to avoid the March tax season panic and maximise your available reliefs.

2. Review Your Investment Strategy

Markets in 2025 were volatile in patches, but on the whole experienced very strong gains. January is a great time to check that your portfolio still aligns with:

• Your goals
• Your risk tolerance
• Your retirement timeline
• Your tax position

Remember: The cost of doing nothing can be greater than the cost of volatility. Investing well is about staying informed and remaining invested during volatile periods.

3. Revisit Your Protection Plans

When life gets busy, insurance often slips down the list. But as your income grows and your lifestyle changes, so should your protection.

Ask yourself:

• Would my income or business be protected if I became ill or injured?
• Do I have enough life cover to support my family or repay debts?
• Are my policies in trust (and outside of my estate for IHT)?

January is an ideal time to get this in order before the year runs away with you.

4. Get Clarity on Your Retirement Timeline

Whether you’re 10 months or 10 years from retirement, 2026 is a year to get clear.

Think about:

• When do I want to exit my business or reduce hours?
• How much do I need to fund the lifestyle I want?
• Should I start the process of selling assets or a practice this year?
• How much income can my investments sustainably provide during my retirement?

A well-timed financial plan can help you retire on your terms, not the market’s or the taxman’s.

5. Organise Your Financial Life

Set yourself up for a smoother year by:

• Creating or reviewing your personal financial plan
• Making sure your Will is up to date
• Consolidating old pensions or savings accounts
• Booking a planning session with your adviser

January isn’t just for resolutions. It’s for realignment, making sure your finances reflect where you are now, not where you were five years ago.

Final Thought: Early Action Beats Late Perfection

January is the perfect month to reflect, realign, and recommit to your long-term goals. The year ahead will come with opportunities and challenges but with a strong financial foundation, you’ll be ready for both.

At FTA Financial & Wealth Management, we work with professionals like you to make sure 2026 isn’t just another year, it’s a step forward.

Let’s make 2026 your most financially confident year yet.

Book a planning session with our team this January and get your strategy working from day one.

This article is for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. Tax rules and allowances apply and could change in future.