We’re all feeling a bit of uncertainty these days with the unpredictable changes in the economy and its impact on our wallets.

The simple act of taking the time to set small goals that address one financial priority at a time can significantly reduce stress, increase your confidence, and bring you closer to achieving financial security — something that everyone aspires to.

Afraid of what you may learn? Don’t let that stop you. Shift your mindset to what you can control and start small.

It could be something as simple as cancelling subscriptions you no longer use (or need) or organizing your bills and getting rid of outdated statements. Or maybe it’s something a little bigger, like tackling credit card debt and paying off balances.

Regardless, it starts with committing your time to secure your financial future. To get started, block some time on your calendar for a personal meeting. This is time you set aside to focus and take stock of your financial picture.

Need help? Connect with Edelman Financial Engines for do-it-yourself or personalized help managing your finances or log in to your Fidelity account to sign up for a complimentary one-on-one Zoom appointment. After you log in, use the Saba scheduling tool to schedule your session.

It’s important to have a will and/or an estate plan to make sure that your assets go to the people you want to have them when you die. Here are some resources to help you understand what you need to do.

• Fundamentals of wills, trusts and powers of attorney
• Preserving your savings for future generations
• Five steps to create an estate plan
• If you’re enrolled in the voluntary legal insurance plan through Sandia Extras, you have access to no-cost estate planning services through ARAG. Visit the ARAG website (enter access code: 18375san) or call 800-247-4184.
• Connect with a Wellthy care coordinator to learn about legal and financial resources they offer.
• Explore resources available through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits. For information about who provides your EAP benefits, visit hr.sandia.gov.

Keep in mind that when you enroll in Sandia’s prepaid legal plan as a new employee or during annual benefits open enrollment, you have access to legal expertise, including estate planning, without hefty legal fees. For details, visit mysandiaextras.com or call Corestream at 855-514-8800.

You’re eligible to contribute up to $24,500 to your Sandia 401(k) in 2026. If you’re age 50 or older, you can make annual “catch-up” contributions of up to $8,000 above the annual IRS 401(k) contribution limit for a total of $32,500 in 2026.

Beginning in 2026, if you are age 50 or older and earned more than $150,000 in 2025, you must make any catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

If you need help investing your 401(k), consider investing in a target date fund or working with Edelman Financial Engines and/or Fidelity.

How a target date fund works

A target date fund offers a hands-off approach to investing. It provides an age-appropriate and diversified mix of stocks and bonds that adjust as your target retirement date approaches. You choose the target date fund that is closest to the year you plan to retire. To review or change your investments, log in to your Fidelity account.