As Canadians turn the page to a new year, financial expert Christopher Liew has outlined a series of strategic actions to help individuals secure their economic future. Published on January 06, 2026, his advice comes at a critical time for many households looking to navigate ongoing economic pressures and build lasting wealth.
Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Liew's recommendations focus on proactive and intelligent management of personal resources. The first move emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive budget review. He suggests that the start of the year is the perfect time to scrutinize spending habits, identify areas for potential savings, and reallocate funds towards financial goals. This foundational step is crucial for gaining control over one's cash flow.
The second strategic move involves aggressively paying down high-interest debt. With potential interest rate fluctuations, Liew advises prioritizing credit card balances and personal loans that carry the highest costs. Reducing this debt burden frees up significant income for savings and investments later in the year.
Strategic Saving and Investing for Growth
The third pillar of Liew's plan is to maximize contributions to registered accounts. This includes ensuring Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are funded to their limits for the 2025 tax year, if possible, and setting up automatic contributions for 2026. The power of compound growth within these tax-advantaged vehicles cannot be overstated for long-term wealth building.
Fourth, Liew advocates for a thorough review and rebalancing of investment portfolios. Market conditions change, and an asset allocation that was appropriate a year ago may no longer align with one's risk tolerance or time horizon. He recommends assessing performance and ensuring diversification remains intact to weather potential economic storms.
Protecting Your Financial Future
The fifth and final smart money move is often overlooked: ensuring adequate insurance and estate planning. Liew stresses that building wealth is only half the battle; protecting it for oneself and one's family is equally important. This includes reviewing life, disability, and property insurance policies to ensure coverage is sufficient. Additionally, he recommends checking or creating essential documents like wills and powers of attorney.
By implementing these five strategic moves—budgeting, debt reduction, registered account contributions, portfolio rebalancing, and protection planning—Canadians can position themselves for a more secure and prosperous 2026. Christopher Liew's guidance provides a clear, actionable roadmap for taking control of personal finances at the dawn of the new year.
