Laredoans Prioritize Fitness, Faith, and Finance in 2026 Resolutions

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LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - As the new year begins, many residents are already setting their sights on 2026 with a strong emphasis on fitness, faith, and financial planning. These three areas have emerged as key priorities for individuals looking to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Diana Huerta has been playing padel, also known as paddle tennis, for a year. Her goal is to maintain consistency in her routine, not only for the physical benefits but also for the enjoyment it brings.

“Agility, everything comes into play, it is beneficial with your weight and it helps with your cardio,” Huerta said. “You don’t even realize it when you’re playing, there goes an hour, two hours. You’re burning calories, having fun and meeting a lot of people.”

Stephanie Villalobos has been involved in softball for twelve years and is now aiming to elevate her performance. She is working hard to improve her skills and secure a starting position on the field.

“One goal is to be able to play on the field, like start on the field, so I’ve been working hard here back at home, going to practices,” Villalobos said.

For others, faith plays a central role in their New Year’s goals. Yahel Garcia, a sophomore at Alexander, is focusing on spiritual growth alongside his athletic pursuits.

“Right now I have a bible plan, so I can read the entire bible with a year, I just need to read around three chapter a day, so that’s pretty cool, and obviously get better at soccer, I don’t have a specific plan but just keep on practicing a bunch,” Garcia said.

When it comes to financial goals, the market can be unpredictable, with interest rates and prices fluctuating frequently. However, Gilbert Berme, a certified financial planner based in Laredo, emphasizes the importance of focusing on what individuals can control—specifically, their spending and saving habits.

“One of the things in my experience that I have seen, the most success in automating your investment and savings plan, so that it just becomes part of your regular budget. An expense to pay yourself, at least your future self,” said Berme, who works at Tejas Financial Advisors.

Berme highlights that one area often overlooked is retirement savings. He points out that many people may not fully understand the limitations of social security as a source of income during retirement.

“When they get to retirement, and they realize, what is my income sources going to be, social security is usually one of them, for most people, and in my experience, social security is simply not enough for the average person to live the life they want to live,” Berme said.

Consistency and persistence are key elements in achieving any goal, whether it's related to fitness, faith, or finances. According to research, nearly half of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the end of the first week in January. This underscores the importance of developing sustainable habits and staying committed to one’s objectives.

By taking small, consistent steps toward their goals, individuals can create lasting change and build a stronger foundation for the future. Whether it's through regular exercise, daily Bible reading, or smart financial planning, the path to success lies in dedication and perseverance.