New year, new outlook: setting your financial goals for later living

16 January 2026

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New Year’s resolutions are more often than not centered on eating healthier, staying away from the wine bottle, and moving more. While these all have positive impacts on our wellbeing, the new year is also the perfect opportunity to review our financial goals.

Reviewing personal finances can be a daunting task, many of us are guilty of pushing to the bottom of the to-do list with a quiet, 'I’ll do that on a rainy day.' However, carving out time to get clear on your financial outlook can lift a big weight off your shoulders. 

It’s never too late to be financially savvy, but it becomes increasingly vital in our later years. Whether you’re standing on the threshold of retirement, or have been retired for a while, the earlier you plan, the better.

Increasingly, moving home is becoming a priority as we age - whether that’s to downsize, move closer to family, or finally move to that dream location. This is a major milestone that needs to be carefully considered and included in our financial plans.

Advice from the experts

With 4.1 million pensioners feeling the financial squeeze, seeking professional guidance is an important step toward reclaiming your peace of mind. It is recommended to speak with a financial advisor when making significant decisions at any stage in life, especially when the economic landscape feels uncertain.

Chartered financial planners, Fidelius specialise in helping people navigate these challenges. Whether your goal is to ensure a comfortable retirement, pass on wealth to your family, or simply make your money work harder, they build a personalised plan centered around your specific needs. By turning "I'll do it later" into a proactive strategy, they help transform financial anxiety into a clear, manageable path forward.

To help you get started, here are a few things to consider to take the stress out of getting your financial goals in order.

Worried about running out of money in retirement? 

A clear, objective-led financial plan makes all the difference. Financial planners, like Fidelius, use sophisticated cashflow modelling to show how long your money could last based on your lifestyle, goals, and spending needs. They can test different “what if” scenarios to give you confidence and peace of mind that your future is secure.

Deciding on what you want out of later living

Everyone’s idea of an ideal retirement looks different. For some, it may involve frequent travel and exploring new hobbies, while for others, it’s about downsizing to a more manageable home or moving closer to loved ones for better support (or to help out with looking after the grandchildren!). Taking the time to define your priorities is the first step in creating a financial plan that works best for you. By being clear about the lifestyle you want to lead, you can better understand the costs involved and ensure your finances are structured to support those dreams, giving you the freedom to enjoy your later years with a little less worry.

Making your money work for you 

 There are many ways to create a tax-efficient income in retirement, including:

•   using surplus cash 

•   taking income from ISAs 

•   drawing from general investment accounts 

•   using pensions 

•   using investment bonds 

A regulated financial planner can help you understand which combination is best for your circumstances.

Read our recent Q&A with Fidelius in our latest Pegasus Homes Lifestyle Magazine here.

Find out more at our open events

If you are interested in finding out more from the Fidelius team, please join us at one of our upcoming financial events, where they will also be discussing the latest Government Budget and how the announcements could impact your finances. 

 If you would like to join, please call our friendly sales team on 0203 695 3206.