Starting 2026 fresh: 10 things to check off your list

Fresh starts in movies are marked by the ring of a school bell, a car driving into the horizon, or a dramatic musical score. They aren’t often depicted faithfully: sat at a table with a list, ticking each task off methodically. 

Fortunately, we at Evergreen love lists, so we have composed a list of 10 tasks to get sorted for the new year. From automating your savings to leaving guilt in 2025, this list will get you ready for a fresh start! 

​1. Automate your savings 
Is your money sitting around in the same account? Does it take you a few days to transfer it to the right places?  

Automating your savings alleviates the need to make multiple transfers every payday and prevents temptation to spend.  

Most banks let you set these up on all accounts, allowing you to automatically transfer a set amount to your savings, bills account, etc.  

2. Check your subscriptions 
Many of us have at least a few subscriptions right now. But when was the last time you checked what is being charged?  

Your online banking portal or app is a great place to check for subscriptions that you don’t use anymore.  

 3. Set up an investment  
Once you’ve regained control of your bank accounts, you might be interested in starting an investment. There are multiple ways you can get started, including micro investing apps, trading, or managed funds.  

Each of these investments come with their own risks and strategies. We recommend consulting with a financial adviser prior to beginning your investment journey.

 4. Review your home loan interest rate  
If you have a home loan that you haven’t reviewed in a while, you might not have access to the best interest rate.  

If you have a broker, they might be able to assist you with negotiating or refinancing. If you don’t, you can give your bank a call to see if they can bring your interest rate down.  

A lower interest rate can mean you’ll pay your loan off faster! 

 5. Consolidate debt 
If you have multiple personal loans or credit cards, it might be beneficial to consolidate. This makes the repayment process easier, but it can also bring your interest rate down to a more manageable amount.
  
 A broker can help you with this by comparing different lenders and their rates.  

 6. Know your super  
When was the last time you checked your super balance? Have you changed jobs in the past year? Is your employer paying the mandated minimum? Is your super working for you? 

Some of these questions can be answered on your myGov portal. Others may require help from a financial adviser or accountant. 

 7. Review your insurances  
Insurances tend to increase each year, meaning your premiums can also grow.

It’s worth checking your insurance amounts to ensure you aren’t overpaying. Likewise, you may be underinsured if you’ve had big changes (new house, pay rise, etc).

A financial adviser can assist you in applying for or reducing your cover amounts.

 8. Leave guilt behind  
We are often haunted by our past mistakes, but keeping the shadows of 2025 with us isn’t going to help shift our mindset in 2026. 

Leave the guilt behind and start fresh in 2026. Don’t think about the things you wish you’d done differently or ruminate on the what ifs? 

Move forward into 2026 guilt free.  

 9. Make a budget 
A budget can help you get everything under control if you’re unsure how much you earn, spend, or save. It can be as simple as a list on some paper, or as complex as an excel spreadsheet.  

 10. See an adviser  
If you’re unsure where you’re heading, or what you need to start with, speaking to a financial adviser might be just what you need.  
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We can assist with getting a plan in place so that you can enter 2026 secure in your financial future.