Financial Health: Your December 31st Checklist & 2026 Positioning

28-11-2025

Wealth isn’t built by reacting to the market, it’s built by preparation”.

 – Funbi Majekodunmi

The Big Picture

As 2025 runs out, investors have the special opportunity to reflect, take stock, and regroup for the incoming year. This final quarter should not just be about closing books but also spent making decisions to strengthen your financial status, and position for 2026. From unstable inflation to foreign exchange and tax reforms, these are some major factors that have defined consumers’ financial trajectories over the course of the year 2025. 

In this article, we shall look at how to finish the year strong financially, (financial health) and preparations towards the coming year; because “Wealth isn’t built by reacting to the market, it’s built by preparation”.

2025 Year-end Financial Planning Guide        

As an investor, as we approach the end of the year, setting your financial priorities is crucial (financial health). How you manage your “to-dos” and save up for future expenses plays a vital role in your investment journey. Below are some key arrangements which will guide an investor in planning personal end-of-year finances.

  • Review your financial goals– It is important to realign your portfolio with your ever-evolving objectives. Did your priorities change his year. You want to buy a new property, or a friend brings a new business idea to you; these factors will lead to a change in the dynamics of your investments. Ensure to weigh your risks & rewards.
  • Assess your portfolio’s performance– It has been a rollercoaster within the economy. Inflation eased from the third quarter, the naira gained against the U.S dollar, and money market rates, which were elevated, saw some stabilization toward the end of the third quarter. These factors play a key role in how you invest your funds to gain the most from your finances. This period is an important time to assess your performance to ensure you remain on track towards your long-term plan.
  • Rebalance your portfolio– This entails comparing your returns and expectations, keeping in sight market rates and benchmarks. A balanced portfolio minimizes risks. As the market shifts, move, and depending on your expectations opportunities could arise. Always explore in the right direction, consider investing in steady instruments, and seek certified advice.
  • Strengthen your Emergency funds- This will always be paramount as emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment. As 2026 approaches, planning for such “insurance” funds will ensure peace of mind.

“Relationships are key tools to a healthy positioning”.

New Year Portfolio Positioning  

After a dynamic year of fluctuating market rates, economic changes, and fiscal adjustments, you most definitely must be curious as an investor about how you could position for the upcoming year. These three key principles would help you stay grounded with your investments.

  • Stay Diversified– Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Technology is the new order of the day, but wealth advisers can still play a vital role in steering you on the right track. Seek professional advice to have a well-diversified investment portfolio. This will help minimize risks and enhance returns.
  • Be selective– As market rates fluctuate and new policies emerge, focus on funds or companies with a healthy cash flow or balance sheet. Furthermore, planning now will help you manage the incoming tax regulations as they may affect you. Also ensure to Invest in secure money market funds. Lastly remain aware that relationships are key tools to a healthy positioning.
  • Keep your Liquidity flexible– While long-term savings are necessary, maintaining a liquid or easy access to cash will enable you to respond to new opportunities. A good liquidity investment instrument is Money market funds. You can withdraw from it anytime while still growing your funds.

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Incorporating these principles will ensure you are well-positioned, smart, strategic, and stronger for 2026. Furthermore, discipline is the foundation of every investment journey. A disciplined mindset can break barriers and accomplish the unimaginable.

A quick example, Seun has N20 million to invest at the beginning of the year. He does a private bond of 5m, which pays coupons twice a year, stays liquid with a mutual fund with another N5m, and locks away N10m for a year on a fixed deposit instrument. If Seun has sought appropriate advice and placed his cash assets on steady, regulated rates, he has exhibited the three key principles for portfolio positioning. Moving forward, this will eventually aid discipline, grow his portfolio, and prepare him to adjust or maximize his investments in the event of any probabilities. 

“Discipline is the foundation of every investment journey”.

Final Thought

“The future we all want for ourselves is one for our own making” – Tony O. Elumelu. The future starts now. The smart decisions you take towards your investment journey will position you for stress-free progress and ultimately a stable future. In this final quarter of 2025, make thoughtful adjustments that set the stage for long-term financial success.

To Stay tuned for more updates; follow Mainstreet Capital on social media ( LinkedIn X  | Instagram | Facebook ). Remember, the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to make sound investment decisions. For more information or personalized investment strategies that take advantage of the new economic realities, book a session with our expert asset managers.