3 Financial Check-Ins Every Family Should Do in January
2026 is here, and it’s the perfect time to hit “refresh” on your family’s finances. After the holiday chaos, January gives you a rare moment to breathe, think, and actually make a plan. And while everyone’s talking about New Year’s resolutions (which, let’s face it, don’t tend to last longer than a few weeks), there’s one thing that gets overlooked way too often: life insurance. We know it sounds boring, but protecting your family isn’t just about policies. It’s about peace of mind, security, and keeping your loved ones covered no matter what. Here are three financial check-ins every family should tackle this month.
1. Review Your Life Insurance Coverage
Life doesn’t wait, and neither should your coverage. Got a new marriage, a baby, a bigger mortgage, or a sweet pay raise? That all changes what your family actually needs. (And if you don’t have life insurance, now is the time to get it!)
Take a serious look at your current coverage. Is it enough to replace income, cover debts, and keep your family secure if something happens? Old term policies and policies with low coverage amounts just might not be enough anymore. Whether you prefer an affordable term life plan, or a permanent policy that sticks around for life, an annual check-in will help you make sure your family stays fully protected. (Not sure where to start? We can help with that.)
2. Update Beneficiaries and Legal Documents
Even the best life insurance policy can’t do its job if your beneficiaries are out of date. Simply put, a beneficiary is the person or people who receive the money from your life insurance policy when you pass away. Sounds straightforward, but divorce, remarriage, new kids, or even adult children starting their own families can change your plans quickly.
That’s why updating beneficiaries is a must. Along with reviewing life insurance, check your wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Think of it as smart, proactive family financial planning, and not boring paperwork. A few minutes now can prevent arguments, delays, or unintended outcomes later. Your loved ones will thank you (even if they don’t realize it yet).
3. Align Life Insurance With Your 2026 Financial Goals
Your life insurance policy shouldn’t just sit there collecting dust. It should actively support your financial goals. Saving for college, paying down debt, or heading towards retirement? Your coverage should reflect it all. Take some time to make sure your policy actually lines up with your plans. An annual review keeps your life insurance working as hard as you do, because your family’s protection should grow as your life does.
Start the Year Protected With Spicer Financial Group
January isn’t just about scribbling down resolutions you’ll forget by February. It’s about results that actually stick. Reviewing your coverage, updating your beneficiaries, and aligning your policies with your goals is a great way to bring you peace of mind you can feel all year. Spicer Financial Group can help you turn your plans into a real New Year’s resolution that you’ll actually keep. Don’t just talk about protecting your family - actually DO it. Call us to schedule a quick life insurance review (it’s free!) so you can start 2026 covered, confident, and totally ready for anything.