The 2026 Financial Planning Challenge

The first Saturday episode of each month this year, we will focus on a key component of a financial plan – including spending, investing, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, and taxes. If you follow along with us throughout 2026, you will end this year in the best financial shape possible — perhaps in the best shape you’ve ever been.First up is a healthy helping of “financial truth serum.”

Robert Brokamp speaks with Foolish colleague and Certified Financial Planner Amanda Kish about the five steps to documenting all you own, all you owe, and where your money is going:

1. Choose a when and how2. Complete your full financial inventory3. Track your spending for 30 days4. Calculate your personal net worth5. Establish your “Financial Baseline Summary”Have your own tips, tricks, tools, and recommendations for tracking your net worth, spending, and progress? Email them to podcasts@fool.com by Tues., Jan. 6, and we may read your suggestions the following episode.

Host: Robert BrokampGuest: Amanda KishEngineer: Bart Shannon

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