Galloping into the Year of the Horse 2026: Moving forward with your family finances
The Year of the Horse approaches with a timely reminder to think ahead. This article explores why multi-generational wealth planning matters, how families can protect and grow their assets, and how small, decisive actions today can secure financial well-being for generations to come.
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, some of us will be mentally preparing ourselves for the annual inquisition at the reunion dinner table. This year, you’ll be two steps ahead of Aunty. You can show her you’ve got all your ducks in a row by telling her that the Year of the Horse will be one of prosperity, not just for you, but for the whole family. You’ll be able to tell her that you’ve planned your family’s wealth not just for today, but for generations to come. Stun her into silence with your airtight financial wizardry.
Here's the plan:
Know where the horse stands before you start galloping
Every family needs a reality check. That means understanding what you have, what you owe, and where your money is actually coming from.
Start simple:
List your family’s assets – savings, investments, properties, insurance.
Record every liability – home loans, car loans, personal debt.
Track every income stream – salaries, business income, rental, dividends.
Be transparent. This isn’t about who made the worst financial decision. It’s about gaining clarity. And yes, it may include extended family members who depend on you or may one day inherit your assets. Multi-generational planning starts with the full picture, not just your own bank account.
Planning across generations: not all horses run the same race
A good family wealth plan recognises that different generations have different priorities and different time horizons.
Start simple:
Today’s generation is thinking about retirement, healthcare, emergencies, and stability.
The next generation needs education funding, early financial support, and opportunities to grow.
Future generations depend on legacy planning — how wealth is transferred, protected, and sustained.
The Horse reminds us that momentum matters. Small, decisive decisions today, like topping up savings, starting an education fund, or even drafting a will, can create compounding impact over decades. Get that ball rolling!
Protect first, then grow (because life loves plot twists)
No one likes to think about emergencies, but that is exactly why protection matters. Insurance and emergency funds are the seatbelts of your financial plan. They ensure that unexpected events don’t derail not just your finances, but your family’s future as well.
Here’s where solutions like RHB Life Protection Plan come in, helping families safeguard income, manage risks, and maintain stability across generations. After all, wealth is only meaningful if it survives life’s many surprises.
Diversify. It’s not a one-horse race
Multi-generational wealth thrives on diversification. Different goals need different tools.
Lower-risk options such as ASB/ASM, fixed deposits, or PRS help preserve capital.
Moderate-risk investments like unit trusts and ETFs provide income and steady growth.
Long-term growth assets — equities or property — help younger generations build wealth over time.
Think of it this way: grandparents protect, parents balance, children grow. When investments match life stages, wealth becomes resilient.
No drama, no fuss
Let’s be real — most family disputes don’t start at reunion dinners. They start after. Nothing ruins harmony faster than ambiguity. Clear estate planning ensures that assets move smoothly to the next generation, without confusion or conflict. Tools such as wills, trusts, and proper beneficiary nominations matter far more than many realise. Services like RHB Trustees’ Will Writing help families formalise intentions clearly, protecting not just assets, but relationships.
Teach the next generation so they don’t undo the hard work
The strongest wealth plans aren’t just written. They are taught and become second nature. Having open conversations with younger family members about money helps them understand saving, spending, investing, and risk. Even a simple exercise like investing angpao money can become a lifelong lesson in financial discipline. When financial literacy is shared, wealth can grow responsibly.
CNY 2026 Checklist
Spring-clean your home and your finances.
Review your family’s finances before the year begins.
Allocate bonuses or angpaos into savings or investments.
Check insurance coverage and emergency funds.
Start conversations across generations about goals and responsibilities.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress. Multi-generational planning isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for families who want continuity, security, and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The Year of the Horse isn’t about standing still. It’s about moving forward decisively, purposefully, and together. In 2026, let your family’s financial plan run like the Horse: focused, disciplined, and built for the long journey ahead. Get in touch with your Relationship Manager today to get started!
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