Suze Orman: 3 Money Moves To Kick Off 2026
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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One of the most common resolutions when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s is to save more money or get out of debt. A stronger financial future can start with a single step.
In a recent article, money expert and bestselling author Suze Orman told her followers about things they can do to improve their financial well-being this year. Here are the three money moves she suggested to kick off 2026.
Also see six investing moves to make right now to grow your wealth in 2026.
Amp Up Emergency Savings
First, the podcaster and columnist suggested that people boost their emergency savings. Orman told her followers to consider doing what they can to increase their balance if they do not have at least eight months’ worth of expenses tucked away. She did caution hopeful savers to be realistic about what they can contribute and not try to go from two months’ worth to eight months’ worth of savings overnight. Instead, she simply encouraged her readers to push themselves to save more in the new year.
According to Fidelity, individuals hoping to start an emergency savings fund should try to save $1,000 and then shoot for three to six months’ worth of expenses or more. An emergency fund can help protect against financial difficulties in the future in the event of job loss or unexpected expenses. The experts at Fidelity also noted that individuals with a spouse or family to support might feel more comfortable with six months’ worth or more of savings to cover costs.
Max Out Roth IRA Contributions
Another money move Orman recommended was saving more in a Roth IRA. The financial influencer explained that the maximum a person up to the age of 50 can contribute to a Roth IRA is $7,500 in 2026, a $500 increase from the previous year. For people 50 years or older, the maximum contribution is $8,600. The extra $1,100 is for catch-up contributions, which are reserved for individuals 50 and up.
Orman did caution that a person’s ability to contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026 may be limited by income. First, in order to contribute to a Roth IRA a person must have earned income. Secondly, a person with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of over $153,000 may be limited in how much they can contribute. A person with MAGI of over $168,000 is not eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, while a couple filing jointly with MAGI over $252,000 cannot make contributions. Those married, filing jointly and making less than $242,000 can contribute the maximum, while those making between $242,000 and $252,000 can make a reduced contribution.
Consider a Roth 401(k)
The third money move Orman recommended was choosing a Roth 401(k) at work. She encouraged readers to check if their employer offers a Roth 401(k) option in lieu of a traditional 401(k).
Orman noted that she doesn’t recommend moving all funds from a traditional 401(k) to a Roth 401(k), but instead to start putting new savings into the account. Therefore, beginning in 2026, contributions would be placed into a Roth 401(k). Money in the Roth 401(k) grows tax-free, has no required minimum distribution (RMD) and is not taxed when it is withdrawn.
Orman is not the only money expert touting the benefits of a Roth 401(k). The experts at Ramsey Solutions explained that the Roth 401(k) is advantageous because it grows tax-free and withdrawals during retirement are not affected by future tax rates.
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