What does it take to reach financial success in 2026? We talk with financial professionals about how to nurture your nest egg to meet your financial goals.
How to Reach Financial Success in 2026
What Does It Mean to “Stay the Course” in Investing, and Why is It so Important?
“Staying the course” refers to the disciplined practice of holding assets and continuing to invest despite market volatility. It prioritizes adhering to a long-term financial plan and avoids getting caught up in short-term turbulence.
Investors tend to let fear and greed obstruct their best judgment. Emotional biases may be the single largest factor that hinders individuals’ investment returns. In the last 13 months, investors have panic-sold assets in wake of both the tariff announcements in April 2025 and the recent war with Iran. In both cases, if they had simply stayed firm, their portfolios would likely have rebounded to all-time highs in less than a month’s time. Instead, they locked in losses AND subsequently missed out on much of the rebound growth.
“Staying the course” means to step back, take a deep breath, and remember that market downturns and negative economic cycles are inevitable. If you understand how much risk you are comfortable bearing, the best choice is almost always staying committed to your long term financial plan.
-Ben Rosen, Vice President, Bill Few Associates, Inc.
Beyond Investment Portfolio Performance, What Should Investors Expect From Their Wealth Advisor?
Beyond performance, investors should expect a wealth advisor to serve as a fiduciary partner, or someone legally and ethically committed to putting the client’s interests first. This includes disciplined advice, transparent reporting, and clear objectives that connect investments to real-life goals and priorities. A preferred advisor should disclose all known fees and avoid incentives tied to product sales, commissions, or brokerage activity. Advice should be thoughtful, adaptive, and grounded in long-term alignment. Investors should also expect proactive problem-solving during periods of market stress, major life transitions, or changing family needs. Ultimately, the advisor’s role is to provide structure, perspective, and accountability so financial decisions are made with clarity rather than emotion.
–Oakmont Capital Management, LLC
What is Your Investment Philosophy, and How Do You Adapt Your Approach to Current Market Conditions and Investor Needs?
Our investment philosophy is rooted in discipline, thoughtful research, and a focus on long-term outcomes. Advisors at Henderson Brothers Financial Partners take time to understand each client’s goals, priorities, and comfort with risk, then build diversified portfolios using both fundamental and technical analysis. Rather than reacting to short-term headlines, decisions are guided by market trends, economic conditions, and individual needs. As life and markets evolve, portfolios are monitored, stress tested, and adjusted to remain aligned with what matters most. Our team believes in participating in the market to grow, with an emphasis to protect the assets you worked so hard to acquire.
–Henderson Brothers Financial Partners
With the Growing Complexities of Estate Planning, How Do You Distinguish Between the Need for a Will Versus a Trust in Today’s Market?
When planning your estate, you might wonder: do I need a will, a trust, or both? A will outlines how your assets are distributed after death but must go through probate, which can be lengthy and public. A trust, by contrast, offers greater control and privacy, avoids probate, and allows for planning in case of incapacity—something a will doesn’t address. Trusts are especially useful for larger estates or complex family situations, offering more flexibility in managing and distributing assets. Ultimately, consulting our firm can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and preserves your legacy.
What Do We Expect for the Second Half of 2026 and Where Do We See Opportunity?
The first quarter of 2026 brought heightened market volatility, and we expect this to persist through year-end. Recent geopolitical developments—including ongoing Middle East conflict, leadership change in Venezuela, and strategic focus on Greenland’s mineral resource—have contributed to the disruption and uncertainty. These dynamics highlight the growing importance of reliable energy and infrastructure to support AI-driven data center expansion and global chip production. In this environment, our disciplined, long-term approach remains essential. We continue to identify attractive opportunities, in electric utilities and infrastructure sectors, which we believe are foundational to meeting rising energy demand and enabling the next phase of technological growth.
–Beth Genter, President and Founder, Schenley Capital, Inc.
Given the Current Economic Volatility, How Do You Manage Market Downturns & Mitigate Risks in My Investment Portfolio?
The key to managing market volatility is by being proactive rather than reactive. This involves structuring a portfolio with built-in downside protection, while still being able to take advantage of long-term market growth. By maintaining a disciplined strategy and focusing on high quality assets, investors can navigate periods of uncertainty with greater confidence and stay on track toward their financial goals.
Can You Help Me With Retirement Planning, Including Forecasting Potential Expenses and Income Needs as Market Conditions Change?
Markets will always fluctuate. But whatever way they move, a comprehensive financial plan is one of the best strategies to stay on track toward your retirement goals. Your UBS Financial Advisor monitors the current environment and will work with you to ensure your retirement plan and your portfolio reflect changing conditions. Volatility may be unsettling, but with a long-term plan in place, you can feel more confident about the future.
-Lee Oleinick, Walnut Wealth Management Group, UBS Financial Services Inc.
Disclosure: Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. For our client relationship summary disclosures, please visit ubs.com/relationshipsummary. UBS Financial Services Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC
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