As we enter into the Fall season, many families begin turning their attention to the year ahead. But for those serious about building lasting wealth, 2026 planning doesn’t start in January—it starts now.
At Bridgewright, we believe that before anything meaningful can be built, it needs a plan. Whether you're a high earner in your prime or stewarding a multi-generational legacy, aligning your financial goals early gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward with purpose.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Revisit Your Vision
Financial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values. What do you want your wealth to accomplish in 2026? Are you funding a child’s education, preparing for a business transition, or expanding your philanthropic impact?
Start by revisiting your family’s vision. Ask yourself:
- What does “living abundantly” look like next year?
- Are your goals still aligned with your long-term legacy?
- What new priorities have emerged?
This reflection sets the tone for intentional planning and helps ensure your financial strategy supports what matters most.
Step 2: Use the Bridgewright Blueprint
Our proprietary 9-step roadmap—the Bridgewright Blueprint—is designed to help clients build a resilient financial foundation. As you prepare for 2026, consider where you are in this journey:
- Cover insurance deductibles: Review your health, auto, and home policies. Are your deductibles manageable in case of emergency?
- Eliminate high-interest debt: Pay down credit cards or personal loans that erode your net worth.
- Maximize employer match: If you're still working, ensure you're capturing every dollar of employer retirement contributions.
- Fund emergency reserves: Aim for 6–12 months of expenses in a liquid account.
- Invest 20% for retirement: Are you consistently allocating toward long-term growth?
- Use the Three Bucket Strategy: Balance short-term liquidity, mid-term stability, and long-term growth.
- Save for pre-retirement goals: Think travel, home upgrades, or business investments.
- Tackle low-interest debt: Strategically pay down mortgages or student loans.
- Pay it forward & live abundantly: Consider charitable giving, family support, or legacy gifts.
This framework helps you prioritize and sequence your financial decisions with clarity.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Investment Strategy
Markets have shifted significantly over the past year. As you look ahead to 2026, ask:
- Is your portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon?
- Are you investing in companies, not just stocks?
- Have you considered tax-efficient strategies like donor-advised funds or Roth conversions?
Our investment philosophy centers on long-term, values-driven growth. We help clients invest in companies and organizations that reflect their principles and support their legacy.
Step 4: Plan for Life Events
Major milestones—retirement, business sales, inheritance, or health changes—can dramatically impact your financial picture. If you anticipate any of these in 2026, now is the time to prepare.
Proactive planning ensures you’re not reacting to change—you’re leading it.
Step 5: Engage Your Advisory Team
Financial planning is a team sport. Your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor should be working in concert to support your goals. At Bridgewright, we regularly coordinate with clients to ensure every piece of the puzzle fits.
If you haven’t had a mid-year review yet, schedule one. It’s the perfect time to:
- Update your financial plan
- Review tax strategies before year-end
- Discuss 2026 goals and priorities
Step 6: Take Action Before Year-End
The final months of 2025 offer powerful opportunities to set the stage for 2026:
- Max out retirement contributions
- Make charitable gifts
- Harvest tax losses
- Review insurance policies
- Rebalance portfolios
These actions can help you enter the new year with momentum and confidence.
Final Thought: Build with Intention
2026 isn’t just another year—it’s another chapter in your legacy. By planning now, you’re not just managing wealth. You’re cultivating a life of purpose, generosity, and abundance.
Let’s build something meaningful together.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.
Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.
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