A simple question for the year ahead
Today is Chinese New Year — the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
It’s a time associated with movement, energy, and forward momentum. A fresh start.
Which makes it a good moment to pause and ask a simple question.
At the start of a new year, most professionals don’t have an income problem.
They have a direction problem.
So here’s something worth reflecting on:
What is this year financially building toward for you?
Most of the people I speak to are earning well.
They have some shares.
Maybe one or two investment properties.
They’re contributing to super.
They’re trying to get their money working harder.
But when I ask what the next 5–10 years are designed to achieve, there’s often no clear answer.
And that’s not a criticism.
It’s simply what happens when life is busy.
Planning isn’t about having a few investments.
And it’s not about predicting what markets will do in 2026.
It’s about deciding what you’re building toward.
If nothing changes, where will you realistically be in five years?
And are you genuinely comfortable with that path?
One of the most valuable things I do with clients is step back and clarify this before we talk about tactics.
Because once direction is clear, decisions become much easier.
The Year of the Horse symbolises momentum — but momentum only helps when you’re moving in the right direction.
Wishing you a healthy, focused, and intentional year ahead.