THE ADVISER MONTHLY | January 2026

VOLUME IV. ISSUE 1

Are Your Starting 2026 on the Right Financial Foot?

Welcome to the January Edition of The Adviser Monthly!

Happy New Year! I hope you had a great break and that 2026 has started on a positive note for you and your family. The start of a new year is always a good moment to pause, take stock, and think about where you want to head next. After the pace of the holidays, January is a natural time to get a little clearer on your finances, whether that’s rebuilding momentum, fine-tuning your goals, or simply getting organised again.

This month’s edition brings together a mix of practical tools and broader perspectives to help you begin the year with confidence. We look at how to set goals that actually stick, revisit some important investing lessons, and share insights into what economists are hoping to see unfold in 2026. You’ll also find simple money tasks to tackle early, updates on the first-home buyer landscape, and a helpful reminder to check whether you may be owed unclaimed money in NSW.

At Make Work Optional, we’re here to support you with clear advice and thoughtful strategies as you navigate the year ahead.

👉 Take a look through this month’s articles below and start building momentum for a confident financial year.

HOW TO SET GOALS THAT LAST (NOT JUST IN JANUARY)

A fresh start like a new year can feel energising at first, but many people quickly lose motivation before long-term goals become habits.

This article digs into the psychology of why that happens and offers practical strategies for setting goals that stick, from making them specific and meaningful to building routines that support real progress. This read is especially relevant and helps you not just set financial intentions for 2026, but design them in a way you’re more likely to follow through on.

Click to learn how to make your goals more achievable and lasting.

MARKET LESSONS EVERY INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW

Whether you’re new to investing or revisiting your strategy for the year ahead, there are timeless lessons that can help you navigate uncertainty and stay on track toward your goals.

This article highlights key insights from market behaviour including the value of patience, diversification, and understanding risk to help investors avoid common pitfalls and make more confident decisions.

It’s a practical, thought-provoking read that encourages a long-term mindset and reminds us that successful investing is often about consistency, not perfection.

WHAT ECONOMISTS ARE HOPING TO SEE IN 2026

As we head into the new year, many experts are already shaping their priorities for the economy in 2026 from inflation and interest rates to employment and consumer confidence. This article lays out a “wish list” of economic developments that could support stronger growth and greater stability in the year ahead.

For anyone planning their financial strategy, understanding these broader themes can provide valuable context for investment decisions, budgeting, and long-term planning.

Click to explore what economists are watching and how these trends might influence your financial outlook in 2026.

KICKSTART YOUR FINANCIAL YEAR: FIVE ESSENTIAL MONEY TASKS

Ready to begin 2026 with confidence? This guide lays out five practical money tasks that can help you start the year with clarity and purposes from reviewing your budget and super contributions to checking your insurance and financial documents.

These actionable steps are designed to simplify your finances and strengthen your financial foundation early in the year, so you can move forward with greater control and direction.

Click through to discover these simple yet powerful tasks that can set the tone for a financially healthier year ahead.

FIRST-HOME BUYER SCHEMES AND THE SHIFTING PROPERTY LANDSCAPE

A new year often brings fresh goals—and for many Australians, home ownership sits high on the list.

This article explores how the expanded First Home Buyer Scheme is driving increased demand for lower-priced homes and reshaping parts of the property market.

It offers valuable insight into where opportunities are emerging, how buyer behaviour is changing, and what this could mean if purchasing a home is part of your 2026 financial vision.

Whether you’re planning your own next move or supporting family members on their property journey, this read helps you start the year informed and prepared.

COULD YOU BE OWED UNCLAIMED MONEY IN NSW?

It may come as a surprise, but nearly $300 million in unclaimed money is currently sitting with the NSW government, belonging to individuals and businesses who may not even realise it’s theirs.

This article explains how everyday situations such as changing addresses, closing bank accounts, or forgotten investments can result in money being left behind. It also outlines how easy it is to check the unclaimed money register and make a claim.

This read is especially relevant if you’ve lived, worked, or invested in NSW, as a simple search could lead to money being returned to you or your family. Click through to see how you can check and potentially reclaim what’s yours.

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