Your Financial Detox: 3 Things to Let Go of This Year
January always brings a certain energy that I love. You know, that feeling of wanting to reset, get organized, live a little more intentionally, and start the year on the right foot.
I’ve always been wired that way. Growing up with a cardiologist father and a mom who owned a natural and organic market meant that the concept of planning and prevention was a way of life. The lesson was always clear: take care of things before they become stressful. Small steps now lead to bigger results later.
And over the years, I’ve realized that mindset applies just as much to money as it does to wellness.
A new year doesn’t have to require an overhaul… but it can benefit from a detox, meaning to clear out the things that weigh you down so you can step into the year with clarity and confidence.
In that spirit, here are three things worth letting go of this year.
1. The idea that “I’ll deal with it later.”
Life is full with kids, careers, family obligations, celebrations, travel… and financial planning is easy to push off to “when things slow down.”
But postponing decisions like those listed below can create more strain than we realize.
Updating your estate plan
What to do with an old 401(k)
Putting idle cash to work
Reviewing insurance coverage
Setting up a tax-efficient retirement plan
None of these feel urgent… until suddenly they are.
Just like health, proactive beats reactive every time. Taking even one step now (not someday!) creates momentum and a sense of clarity that I think you’ll really love.
2. Regret over past financial decisions.
Everyone has a “if I could go back, I’d do that differently” moment.
It might be an investment that didn’t go as planned, buying or selling something at the “wrong” time, or being more generous than what you now feel comfortable with.
But carrying regret into a new year only clouds decision-making.
A more productive mindset sounds like:
“I made the best decision I could with the information that I had at the time.”
“I learned something important from that experience.”
“I get to make better decisions going forward.”
Progress comes from movement, not perfection.
3. The pressure to do everything yourself.
January tends to come with a lot of “I should” energy — I should get organized, I should get healthier, I should be more disciplined.
But the fastest way to burn out, financially or otherwise, is to try to do everything… and to do it alone.
Asking for support is not giving up control; it’s expanding your capacity and protecting your bandwidth for the things that truly matter.
A financial professional can help you:
Spot risks and opportunities you may not see on your own
Create a customized plan for retirement, income, taxes, and legacy goals
Make confident decisions based on your priorities — not someone else’s opinion
You’re not meant to carry the whole load by yourself.
A lighter way to start the year
Letting go is not dramatic, it’s powerful. If you release:
“I’ll deal with it later.”
Regret over past decisions.
The pressure to do it all alone.
…you make room for clarity, confidence, and calm. Not just in your finances, but in your life.
If you’re ready to start 2026 with intention — organized, supported, and clear on your path forward — I’d love to help. Schedule a complimentary financial consultation with me today: https://calendly.com/winstone-wealth-partners/financial-consultation-with-lauren-smith
Here’s to a year that feels lighter and more aligned with the life you want to build.