Small financial decisions that could make a big difference in 2026
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Nicky Boyd and Claire Hanway from Campion Insurance say a financial health check is a good place to start
We are nearly 3 months into 2026 and many individuals, families and business owners across Waterford are taking time to re-assess their financial priorities. Rising living costs over recent years, combined with evolving work patterns and family needs, mean that people are more conscious than ever about how they manage their money.
While headlines often focus on economic uncertainty, the reality is that strong financial outcomes are rarely driven by market timing or dramatic changes. Instead, they are built upon practical habits, clear planning, and regular review.
is a senior financial advisor with over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, specialising in Savings and Investments, Pensions, and Life Insurance. Claire has extensive experience in providing advice on all types of pensions covering Group Pension, DC schemes, Retail Master Trust, Executive Pensions, PRSAs and Personal Pension Plans.
, is a senior financial advisor with long-standing industry experience, specialising in tax-efficient retirement planning solutions, investments, and life insurance for both businesses and individual clients. He has a unique talent for simplifying complex financial concepts, making them easy for clients to understand. This approach instills confidence, ensuring clients trust the tailored financial solutions designed to meet their specific needs.
A sensible place to begin is with a financial health check. This doesn’t need to be complex; simply understanding what you earn, what you own, what you spend, and what you owe can provide invaluable clarity. For many, this exercise will reveal opportunities to improve, such as reducing unnecessary spending, addressing costly debt or strengthening savings.
Most importantly, it creates a solid foundation for setting realistic goals, whether that’s building a financial buffer, planning a major purchase or preparing for retirement.
For some, setting a budget can feel limiting but in practice, it’s about control rather than restriction. A clear structure helps ensure essential expenses are covered, savings remain a priority and lifestyle spending stays enjoyable rather than stressful.
Life doesn’t stand still and neither should your budget. Revisiting it throughout the year allows you to adapt to changes such as new family commitments, fluctuating income, or unexpected costs.
One area that consistently proves its value is an emergency fund. Having three to six months of essential living costs set aside provides a vital buffer against life’s surprises, whether that’s a home repair, change of employment, or an unexpected personal expense. This fund can be the difference between weathering a challenge calmly or relying on high interest borrowing during difficult moments.
Managing debt effectively is another key pillar of financial wellbeing. High interest debt, particularly credit cards and overdrafts, can quietly erode financial progress. Prioritising these balances reduces long-term costs and frees up cash flow, making it easier to focus on savings, protection and long-term planning once they are under control.
With inflation stabilising and modest economic growth forecast in Ireland, 2026 also presents an opportunity to think longer term about how money is put to work. While short-term savings can provide flexibility and a financial buffer, those in a position to set money aside for longer periods may benefit more from investing, particularly through pensions and tax-efficient investment vehicles.
Even small, regular contributions to long-term investments can become meaningful over time, underlining that consistency often matters more than scale when building future financial security.
Finally, one simple habit can bring all this together: setting aside time once a year for a full financial review. Much like a regular health check, this allows you to assess progress, revisit goals, update protection, and ensure your financial plan continues to reflect your life as it evolves.
Good financial planning doesn’t require drastic change or perfect discipline. It’s about making informed decisions, reviewing them regularly, and seeking trusted advice when appropriate.
By focusing on these practical steps, individuals, families, and business owners across Waterford can approach 2026 with greater confidence, clarity and peace of mind.
Campion Insurances Limited trading as Campion Insurance, PIB Global and Bestquote.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
