Starting Strong

Starting Strong: Financial Strategies for a Successful Year

First Published January 2026

As January comes to a close, we begin settling into the rhythm of a new year. But the window, just after year end and before the first quarter is in full swing, can be one of the most important times for business owners and individuals to pause, reflect, and plan. From a financial planning perspective, the actions you take now can set the tone for the year ahead.

The start of the year offers a natural checkpoint to review where you stand financially and where you want to go. Financial statements from year end are now finalized, making this an ideal time to evaluate cash flow trends, balance sheet strength, and overall debt structure. For the individual, now is the perfect time to create or modify your budget, find savings opportunities and increase retirement contributions. For business owners, understanding your financial position provides clarity for future decisions such as expanding operations, investing in new equipment, or strengthening liquidity.

This time of year also provides an excellent opportunity to meet with your banker and professional advisors. Strong banking relationships are built on access, advice, and long-term partnerships. A trusted banker can serve as a consultant, helping you navigate changing markets, plan for future investments, and structure financing that aligns with your goals. When economic conditions shift quickly, having a reliable financial partner can make all the difference.

Conversations that happen early in the year tend to be more proactive and strategic, rather than reactive. A review of last year’s performance can help identify opportunities for improvement, highlight areas of strength, and uncover potential risks before they become obstacles. Planning ahead now can help you move through the year with greater confidence and fewer surprises.

Many businesses and individuals benefit from consolidating their banking activity with a primary financial institution. Doing so can improve efficiency and provide better visibility into cash flow. When your banker has a full view of your financial picture, they are better positioned to offer tailored solutions that support growth, liquidity, and risk management.

Tax planning is another critical component of early-year financial strategy. Now is the time to coordinate with your CPA to evaluate how income, expenses, and capital investments from last year impact your current tax position. Understanding the relationship between taxes, cash flow, and borrowing capacity can help you avoid an unexpected financial strain.

If you need a year-end interest statement for your records, your bank’s team can assist with providing the necessary documentation. Interest statements may also be available through online banking for customers who have opted into e-statements for their loan accounts. Taking a few minutes now to ensure you have access to the information you need can simplify the tax filing process and reduce stress as deadlines approach.

Keep in mind that the early weeks of the new year are a powerful opportunity to strengthen your financial foundation and position yourself for success in the months ahead. A little preparation now can go a long way in building momentum, improving flexibility, and supporting long-term growth.