Setting Financial Goals for 2026
A Guide for Homeowners, First Home Buyers, and Investors
It’s officially 2026, and usually the time where we reflect on our financial position, setting goals for the year ahead. While everyone’s circumstances are different, having defined financial goals can help provide direction, confidence, and a framework for better decision-making.
Whether you already own a home, are working towards your first purchase, or are building a property investment portfolio, setting clear, achievable goals will help you take that next step in your journey.
We’ve outlined some important things to consider when looking at your financial goals for the year ahead. Broken down into what your position is, whether you’re a homeowner, first home buyer or property investor.
Tips For Homeowners: prioritising stability and growth
For homeowners, financial goals often focus on balance — managing todays costs while planning for future security.
When setting goals for 2026, consider the following:
- Review your home loan structures and repayment strategies – can you adjust these to save on interest in the long run?
- Can you improve cashflow by cutting unnecessary expenses?
- Are you planning for any renovations or maintenance?
- Do you have the opportunity to build equity or increase your savings?
- How can you better prepare for potential changes in income or interest rates?
Even small adjustments, such as reviewing your home loan regularly or increasing repayments where possible, can make a difference over time. The key is ensuring that your lending and financial decisions continue to support your broader lifestyle and long-term plans.
Tips For First Home Buyers: Turning a goal into a plan
For those considering home ownership, 2026 may be the year this goal becomes a reality — or a year to lay stronger foundations.
If owning a home is a goal of yours, consider the following:
- What are ways you can build a deposit?
- How can you improve your savings habits and better manage your spending?
- Could you speak to a mortgage adviser about your potential borrowing capacity and current bank lending criteria?
- Can you reduce any existing debts?
- Are you familiar with the buying process and associated costs?
Clear, realistic goals can help make the path to home ownership feel more achievable. Breaking the journey into steps — such as improving financial readiness first — can reduce pressure and provide greater confidence when the time comes to buy.
Tips for Property Investors: Optimising performance and resilience
For property investors, goal setting is often based around performance, cash flow, and long-term property investment portfolio sustainability.
When planning for 2026, investors may consider:
- Reviewing your portfolio structure and loan arrangements – checking with your accountant to ensure these are best suited to your long-term goals.
- Are there ways you can be better manage your cash flow and interest rate exposure?
- Are there any upcoming lending or regulatory changes you need to prepare for?
- Assess your opportunities for growth or consolidation.
- Do you have sufficient buffers in place for unexpected costs?
Strong financial goals can help investors stay focused on strategy rather than short-term market noise. Regular reviews are particularly important to ensure lending structures and property investment portfolio performance remains aligned with investment objectives.
We hope these points help you when goal setting for 2026. If we’re able to help you achieve any of your lending goals, feel free to book a chat with one of our mortgage advisers. We’d love to help!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Fiona & Amy
