5 Financial Blog Ideas for January

What should financial marketers talk about this month? Our monthly roundup has you covered with timely topics for blog posts, social media campaigns, and other marketing ideas. 

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Topic #1: New year, new financial goals 

Encourage your readers to set and prioritize financial goals for the year by providing tips to achieve those important goals.

The angle

• Develop interactive online guides or tools that walk users through setting financial goals. These could include short quizzes, goal-setting templates, or calculators to help users identify and prioritize their financial objectives.
• Share real-life success stories. This inspires and provides practical insights into the steps to reach those milestones.
• Launch targeted email campaigns or blog series that address specific demographics or life stages. For example, create content tailored to recent graduates, young families, or individuals nearing retirement. 

Blog inspiration

• Quiz: What financial resolution should you make this year? (Ally)
• Financial New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep (Investopedia)
• Make your New Year’s Financial Resolutions SMART (Best Egg)

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Topic #2: Investment outlook: the year ahead 

No one can totally predict the market, but you can offer valuable insights to your audience as they think about the year ahead (and where to put their money). 

The angle

• Provide an overview of major macroeconomic trends that might impact the financial markets, such as interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical events.
• Analyze how geopolitical events, such as elections, trade agreements, or conflicts, might impact the financial markets.
• Emphasize the importance of diversification and guide investors on how to spread their investments across different asset classes to manage risk.

Blog inspiration

• 2024 Market Outlook: Widening the Lens (Charles Schwab)
• Stock Market Predictions for 2024: Tesla, Apple and Rate Cuts (Kiplinger)
• Stocks Beat the Odds This Year. Why They Can Do It Again in 2024. (Barron’s)

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Topic #3: Setting SMART financial goals  

Break down the process of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) financial goals.

The angle

• Provide an in-depth guide on the SMART criteria, breaking down each element and illustrating how it transforms vague financial aspirations into actionable goals.
• Tailor the SMART goal-setting approach to different income levels. Provide examples and tips for setting realistic and achievable goals regardless of financial circumstances.
• Explore the psychological aspects of goal setting and how the SMART framework can positively influence financial behavior. 

Blog inspiration

• SMART Financial Goal Examples (SmartAsset)
• Smart Short Term Financial Goals to Set for Yourself (SoFi)
• How To Set Short Term Financial Goals With SMART Examples (Self)

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Topic #4: Tax-saving strategies for the year ahead 

Provide insights into tax-saving opportunities, including deductions, credits, and retirement account contributions. Discuss any recent changes in tax laws that readers should be aware of.

The angle

• Break down common tax deductions, such as mortgage interest, student loan interest, and medical expenses. Provide examples of how these deductions can reduce taxable income.
• Summarize any significant tax legislation changes that have occurred recently.
• Educate readers on tax implications related to capital gains and losses. Discuss strategies for tax-efficient investing, such as tax-loss harvesting and holding investments for the long term.

Blog inspiration

• Tax Planning: 7 Tax Strategies and Concepts to Know (NerdWallet)
• Tax Tips After January 1, 2024 (TurboTax)

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Topic #5: Tackling credit reports  

Many people plan to fix their credit in the coming year, but don’t know where to start. Encourage readers to take control of their financial narrative by mastering the art of understanding and managing their credit reports.

The angle

• Create a comprehensive guide to understanding and leveraging the power of credit reports. Cover the basics, dive into the nuances, and emphasize the impact of credit reports on financial health.
• Highlight the role of credit reports in shaping financial success. Discuss how a clear understanding of credit reports can open doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and improved financial opportunities.

Blog inspiration

• How to Read a Credit Report (Bankrate) 
• Why Is a Credit Report Important? (Experian)
• Credit Report Basics (Experian)

Want to look further ahead?  Download our Financial Marketing Calendar to stay up-to-date on financial events and themes all year-round.