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2026 February Insights
Mark your Calendar
- February 2 - Groundhog Day
- February 14 - Valentine's Day
- February 16 - President's Day - Federal Holiday
- February 17 - Lunar New Year / Mardi Gras
The Building Blocks of a Strong Financial Plan
Financial planning isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about putting the right pieces in place, in the right order. A well-structured plan helps protect against life’s uncertainties while supporting both short- and long-term goals. Below are key components to consider as you build or review your financial plan.
1. Emergency Savings
An emergency fund is the foundation of financial stability. Aim to set aside three to six months of living expenses in a readily accessible account, such as a checking account or money market fund. These funds are designed for liquidity—not long-term growth—and can help cover unexpected expenses without disrupting your broader plan.
2. Income Protection
Protecting your income is just as important as growing it. Short-term and long-term disability insurance, often with a 90-day waiting period, can help replace income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
3. Retirement Savings
If you’re eligible for an employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k), consider contributing at least enough to receive the full employer match—this is often viewed as a foundational step in retirement planning. Additional retirement savings strategies can be layered in over time.
4. Tax-Advantaged Opportunities
Depending on your situation, you may want to explore:
- Roth IRAs
- Increasing 401(k) contributions, particularly toward year-end
- Roth conversions
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), when eligible
5. Investment Accounts
A taxable brokerage account can provide flexibility for goals outside of retirement, such as major purchases or long-term planning needs.
6. Insurance and Estate Basics
If you have assets or dependents, it’s important to review:
- Life insurance
- Wills and basic estate planning documents
7. Education Planning
Planning ahead for education expenses can help families prepare for future costs while staying aligned with other financial priorities.
8. Estate and Legacy Planning
Estate and legacy planning focuses on how you want to protect, transfer, and manage wealth over time.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Financial planning works best when it’s tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. If you’d like help reviewing these areas or determining where to focus next, contact Verus Financial to schedule a conversation with our team. We’re here to help you build a plan designed to support what matters most to you.
February Getaways to Consider
February is a great time to take a break from routine and recharge. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold, enjoy a romantic getaway, or take advantage of quieter travel seasons, this month offers a variety of appealing options.
Warm-Weather Escapes
For those ready to trade winter layers for sunshine, destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or South Florida offer warm temperatures and relaxing scenery—perfect for a mid-winter reset.
Winter Retreats
If you enjoy snow and cozy mountain views, February is ideal for ski trips to places like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming. These destinations offer both outdoor adventure and opportunities to slow down and unwind.
Short Domestic Getaways
Cities such as Sedona, Scottsdale, or Palm Springs provide mild weather, beautiful landscapes, and a slower pace—great for a long weekend without extensive travel.
International Travel Opportunities
February can be an excellent time to visit Europe, with fewer crowds and more favorable pricing in cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. It’s a chance to explore iconic destinations at a more relaxed pace.
Festivals & Experiences
From Mardi Gras in New Orleans to cultural celebrations around the world, February offers unique experiences for travelers looking to combine fun with tradition.
Travel—whether near or far—is a great reminder to balance planning for the future with enjoying life today. At Verus Financial, we help clients align their financial plans with the experiences that matter most to them.
If travel is on your mind this year, a conversation with Verus Financial can help ensure your plans fit comfortably within your broader financial goals.
Grilled Lobster Tail
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 min
Serving: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp. freshly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 4 (8-oz.) lobster tails
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, zest, chives, parsley, garlic, and salt.
- Using kitchen shears, cut top of lobster shell from meaty portion of tail. Using a knife, cut halfway through meat down the center, without cutting all the way through. Insert a skewer lengthwise through the lobster to keep lobster from curling up when cooked.
- Brush all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill flesh side down until lightly charred, about 6 minutes. Flip lobster and dollop a spoonful of butter mixture on flesh side. Grill until just cooked through, about 5 minutes more.
- Remove lobster from grill and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve with lemon wedges.
More information along with nutrition info can be found at Delish.
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