We're six months into 2026. If you set financial goals with us in January, this is the moment to assess where you stand and decide what needs to continue, what needs to change, and what you should let go of. A mid-year financial planning review isn't the time to judge yourself for what didn't happen. It's a chance to look at your current situation, understand what's shifted since January, and make intentional decisions about the second half of the year based on where you are now, not where you thought you'd be.
What Should I Review First?
Go back to the goals you set in January. What did you want to accomplish this year? Pay down debt? Build an emergency fund? Get your estate plan done? Start a business? Increase your retirement savings? Save for a specific goal like travel or education?
Now look at where you stand with each one. Be honest about the gap between what you planned and what happened. Your answer tells you whether the goal is realistic for your life, whether you need different support to make it work, or whether it matters as much as you thought it did. If you're working with a financial advisor, this is a good time to have a check-in conversation. Your financial advisor will want to know if your financial plan is still aligned with your life.
What Has Changed Since January?
Your circumstances may be different now than they were six months ago. You might have gotten a raise or lost income. You might have experienced a major life change like a marriage, a divorce, the birth of a child, a health shift, or a job change. If you’re a business owner, your business might have performed better or worse than you expected. Even if your financial situation hasn’t changed, you may have learned something that changed your mind about what you actually want.
Your financial plan from January was built on information you had at the time. If that information has changed, your plan should change too. This is where financial planning becomes a living process instead of a set-it-and-forget-it document.
Why Are You Avoiding One Decision?
There's probably one financial decision you've been putting off. Common financial hurdles are:
- Talking to your spouse about retirement timing
- Updating beneficiary designations
- Speaking to your children about inheritance
- Finally, calling a financial advisor to align your plan with your goals
Whatever it is, avoiding it costs you more than doing it. Name what you're avoiding, then ask yourself why. Is it uncomfortable, too complicated, or scary? Don't let your fear stop you.
What Do You Actually Want in the Second Half of 2026?
What do you want to accomplish from July through December? If you want to take a family trip you've been postponing, that changes your financial plan. If you want to focus on building your business, that changes where you put your time and money. If you want rest and less commitment, that changes what you're willing to sign up for. If you want to finally get your estate plan done and your financial planning in order, that takes priority.
A financial advisor who understands you will help you align these wants with your financial decisions. That's the difference between someone who just manages money and someone who intentionally helps you build a plan that reflects what you value.
The Four-Question Mid-Year Financial Review
Sit down with these four questions and write out your answers. If you're working with a financial advisor, bring them to that conversation.
Where did your money go in the first six months? Look at your actual spending. Were there categories that surprised you? Did you spend way more on something than you budgeted? Did you spend way less? This shows you what you value in practice, not what you intended to value. Your financial plan should reflect your reality.
What goal are you avoiding? There's often one goal that we’re hesitant to tackle. Naming it gives you power over it.
Which goals still matter? Some of your January goals may not matter anymore, and that’s okay. If something you planned yesterday won’t serve you today, it’s time to pivot.
What do you want the second half to be about? Pick the three things that would make a difference in your life if you achieved them, and decide on one concrete action for each.
If you're working with a financial advisor, schedule a mid-year check-in with them. If you're not working with anyone, this is a good time to consider what financial planning support would help you. The best financial planning is about understanding what matters to you and creating a plan that supports your values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Planning Reviews
How often should I meet with my financial advisor?
At a minimum, you should have a formal review with your financial advisor once a year. Some financial advisors recommend biannual or quarterly meetings if you're working toward specific goals or if your situation is changing frequently. The frequency should match how actively you're working toward your financial goals and how much your situation changes.
When should I change financial advisors?
If your financial advisor doesn't understand your goals, doesn't check in regularly, makes you feel pressured, or simply doesn't feel like a good fit anymore, those are reasons to consider a change. Financial planning is a partnership. You need to trust the person you're working with. If that trust isn't there, explore your options.
What makes a good financial plan?
A good financial plan is realistic for your actual life, not the imaginary version of it. It reflects your values and priorities, has clear goals with timelines, and includes protection (insurance, emergency fund, estate planning). It has regular check-ins built in so you can adjust as needed. It's something you can actually follow, which means your financial advisor understands you well enough to make recommendations you'll stick to.
How do I know if I need a financial advisor?
You might benefit from working with a financial advisor if you have significant assets, complicated financial situations, multiple income streams, a business, unclear goals, or just feel overwhelmed by financial planning decisions. You might also benefit if you know what you want, but struggle to follow through. A financial advisor can provide accountability and keep you aligned with your goals.
What's the difference between retirement planning and overall financial planning?
Retirement planning is one piece of a broader financial plan. Financial planning looks at your whole picture: debt, savings, investments, insurance, estate planning, taxes, and how all these pieces work together. Retirement planning specifically focuses on whether you'll have enough income to retire when you want and live the way you want.
Ready to be intentional with your financial planning? Let's talk about what's working and what comes next.