Momentum and method: a lunar new year reflection on financial planning

18 Feb 26 Lauren Davis, Marketing and Communications Manager

The Lunar New Year is traditionally associated with renewal, forward movement and the start of a new cycle. On 17 February 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse began: a once-every-sixty-years occurrence widely symbolised as a period characterised by energy, independence and momentum.

While we are not suggesting that financial planning should in any way be guided by astrology, cultural moments such as this can provide a useful metaphor, and a timely reminder of what thoughtful planning seeks to achieve.

Momentum, in financial terms, can be a powerful force. Markets move quickly. Headlines accelerate decision-making. Deadlines – particularly those linked to tax year end – can create urgency. Under pressure, even highly capable individuals may find themselves making reactive decisions rather than deliberate ones.

Long-term financial success, however, tends to rely on a consistent and methodical approach: clearly defined objectives, disciplined implementation and regular review. One-off, dramatic changes rarely prove more effective than the cumulative impact of measured decisions made over time.

We often describe this as a cycle: define, implement, review, refine, repeated consistently as circumstances change and evolve.

The beginning of a new calendar or tax year provides a natural opportunity to pause and recalibrate. Rather than focusing solely on allowances or deadlines, it may be helpful to consider broader questions:

• Is your contribution strategy for the coming year clearly defined?
• Does your investment allocation remain aligned with your objectives and risk tolerance?
• Have intergenerational intentions been reviewed in light of changing family circumstances?
• Are financial decisions being driven by long-term strategy, or short-term pressure?

The symbolism associated with the Fire Horse, of dynamism and decisiveness, can be constructive when paired with discipline and planning.

At Finura, our role is not merely to facilitate transactions at key calendar points, but to provide structured thinking throughout the year. A new cycle, whether fiscal or lunar, is often best used as a moment to ensure momentum is matched with method.

If you would value a considered discussion as we move into the new tax year, we would be pleased to arrange a review.

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