As with any holiday, there are many traditions that people around the world perform to align themselves with a positive, cleansing outlook for their year ahead.
Some eat grapes or lentils to promote cleansing.
Some make noise by ringing temple bells or banging on pots to ward off bad spirits.
Some wear specific colors like white for peace or red for love.
…Some (like me) simply go to bed early and forget to write 2026 on checks until about mid-February!
No matter how you celebrate the fresh start, I wish the best for you and your family in 2026!
There are interesting studies that suggest the natural human tendency is to lean into optimism, or having a positivity-bias, when looking into the future. When it comes to finances, however, humans have a more mixed view.
If you are someone who makes resolutions, as with any goal, I would encourage you to set financial goals that are easy to maintain and improve on.
So, where to begin?
If you’re trying to pay off debts, start by over-paying on your loans by rounding the payment up to a number you can absorb. If you’re trying to build savings, open a separate account where a percentage of each paycheck goes in “sight-unseen”, at a rate you can afford. If you’re getting serious about long-term retirement savings, start with maxing out tax advantaged accounts and adding to a brokerage account with anything over and above those limits. Small daily habits can add up to exponential growth. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.”
First, just start. Be consistent, and earn your confidence from there. With confidence, comes optimism. With optimism brings hope, creativity, and excitement. Once you have confidence in those areas, taking time to discuss what to invest in is the next best step you can take.
If at any point you feel stuck in the process, we are just a phone call away. We are passionate about helping people just like you achieve their next level of financial security.
A financially literate, successful, and confident community is something that benefits all of us for generations to come.
Let’s make 2026 great!
Ashlea (Kleitsch) Jones
Financial Advisor
Prime Capital Financial
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
primefinancialcedarrapids.com
(319) 269-7143
Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite#150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness.
Ashlea Jones