7 Simple Shifts to Supercharge Your Savings This Year

Have you been yearning for more freedom? Maybe to funding your writing dream or just wanting your money to work harder than you do? Investing doesn’t have to feel scary or complicated. The good news is that  2026 is shaping up to be a great year to get started or level up. Markets are showing resilience, AI continues to drive innovation, and patient investors who focus on quality have plenty of opportunities ahead. Forget get-rich-quick promises. These seven practical tips—or reminders—to help you build real wealth with confidence.

  1. Start right now, or restart if you paused: Time remains one of your greatest advantages because of compound growth. Even modest amounts can snowball over the years. If you are over 50, take advantage of catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. They let you supercharge savings when every extra dollar counts most. The sooner you begin or increase your pace, the bigger the long-term payoff becomes.
  • Make investing automatic with dollar-cost averaging: Set up regular transfers into your investment account, even if it is only $100 a month. You buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when they are high. This approach smooths out market ups and downs without forcing you to guess the perfect moment.
  • Keep things simple and inexpensive:  Choose index funds or ETFs. Broad-market funds like the S&P 500 or major Canadian benchmarks give you instant diversification and strong historical returns. Fees stay very low, so more of your money keeps working for you. Most experts still recommend them as the smartest choice for the majority of people.
  • Diversify thoughtfully: Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, blend stocks for growth potential with bonds for stability. Check out international exposure or other sectors. If you are in your 50s or beyond, consider divvying 50–60 percent stocks and the rest in steadier assets. That balance captures upside while offering some protection.
  • Stay calm during market dips. Those moments often turn into buying opportunities on high-quality companies at discounted prices. History shows that recoveries reward investors who remain patient and disciplined rather than those who panic and sell.
  • Use tax-advantaged accounts to their full potential: If you are in Canada, fill your TFSA for completely tax-free growth and withdrawals. TFSAs offers incredible flexibility. RRSP allows you to use tax deductions up front and tax-deferred growth inside the account. In 2026 the annual TFSA limit is $7,000, plus any unused room from previous years. RRSP limits are rising too. Your personal limit is  8% of your earned income from the previous year (2025) with a set maximum dollar limit of $33,810. Unused room from previous years can be carried forward indefinitely. These accounts make compounding work even harder in your favor.
  • Invest in yourself above all else: Build an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses in a high-interest account. Keep learning through books, podcasts, and free resources. Protect your health and energy because these are the drivers of everything you do. A strong personal foundation lets your investments grow while you live the life you want.

Investing is a long game built on consistent, thoughtful steps, not luck or perfect timing (although that helps too). Celebrate small progress, review your plan once a year, and adjust when life changes. 2026 brings fresh possibilities. 

Pick one tip to act on this week, maybe open a low-fee account or start that automatic transfer, and take care of your future.

What small step feels exciting to you right now? 

Disclaimer: I am not a financial professional. The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment, tax, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult with a certified financial expert before making any decisions.

Please follow my social media accounts, like, and subscribe at :

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@susaneternityharris4450

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SusanHarris20/

X – https://x.com/SusanHarris20

IG – https://www.instagram.com/pennysusan99/