New Year, New Goals. Is Your Protection Sorted for 2026?
Every January, we set resolutions to improve our health, finances and lifestyle. But one of the most powerful resolutions you can make - protecting your income, your family and your future - often gets put off.
Whether you’re employed, self-employed, a director or a business owner, the New Year is the perfect time to review your protection. Here is a simple, step-by-step checklist to help you get organised and start 2026 with confidence.Time
Your 2026 Protection Planning To Do List
Review Where You Stand Today - Before making any changes, take stock of what you already have.• Existing life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection or health insurance• Policy details, including provider, amount of cover, premium and expiry dates• Life changes in the past 12 months, such as:
New job or pay rise
New home or mortgage change
New child
Marriage or divorce
Business change
Health changes
Gather Your Key Personal Information - This helps any advice or quotes stay accurate and smooth.
Full name and date of birth
Address history for the last 3 years
Occupation, job duties and income
Height and weight
Lifestyle details, including smoking or vaping status, alcohol use and activity level
Collect your Financial Information - This helps determine the right level of protection for your needs.
Monthly income (employed, self-employed or director salary and dividends)
Mortgage balance, lender, term and repayment type
Other debts or financial commitments
Regular household expenses
Savings or emergency fund
For business owners:
Shareholder percentage
Loans and liabilities
Key staff information
Check Your Medical Background - Insurers will usually ask about:
Current medical conditions
Medications
Past surgeries or hospital referrals
Family medical history (parents and siblings)
GP practice details
Tip: Checking the NHS app can make this step much easier as it often lists conditions, referrals and medications.
Decide What You Want to Protect - This helps shape the right cover for your life.
Your income
Your mortgage or rent
Your family’s financial security
Your business commitments
Set Your Priorities - A simple three-step priority list works well:
Protect my income
Cover the mortgage
Provide a lump sum for my family
Know Your Budget - Protection does not need to be expensive. A good rule of thumb is around 1 to 3 per cent of your monthly income. Many people are surprised by how affordable good quality protection can be.
Speak to a Protection Adviser - The right advice saves time, reduces stress and helps avoid costly mistakes.
A good adviser can help you:
Compare insurers
Understand the small print
Handle medical disclosures
Avoid paying more than you need
Make sure your protection truly fits your life
Book a Protection Review Date - Treat this like renewing your MOT, but for your finances and your family. Pick a date in January, put it in your diary, and give yourself the gift of peace of mind for the year ahead.
Protecting yourself shouldn’t feel complicated - it should feel like peace of mind. Having someone to guide you through can make all the difference. Why not get in touch today to see how I can help?
