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How To Make an Investing Plan for 2026, With Tips Just for New Mexico Residents

Victoria Padilla
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How To Make an Investing Plan for 2026, With Tips Just for New Mexico Residents

Investing doesn’t have to be complicated—success often comes down to building a few healthy habits. Start by keeping an eye on your money, saving steadily, and making contributions that align with your goals and risk tolerance. Financial journalist Mallika Mitra recently outlined six straightforward steps for the new year: check your spending, build your emergency fund, boost your contributions, set up automatic deposits, plan ahead for taxes, and rebalance your investments to keep them diversified.

This plan works for New Mexico households, too, but there are a few extra considerations. If your income isn’t steady—maybe you work in tourism, energy, or with the government—it’s smart to keep a bigger emergency fund for peace of mind. When it comes to saving for education, Kiplinger highlights that 529 plans offer valuable tax benefits. Plus, New Mexico taxpayers can get extra state tax breaks that make saving even more rewarding.

Key Considerations at a Glance

  • Begin by taking a look at how your money flowed in and out last year. Review your income, the bills you pay each month, any extra spending, and what you managed to save.
  • Work on building your savings. Aim to set aside enough to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses—or, if your income varies, six to twelve months can give you extra security.
  • Consider adding a bit more to your retirement accounts if you can. The IRS says the 401(k) contribution limit will increase to $24,500 in 2026, but the IRA limit will remain at $7,500. One helpful tip: you usually have until April 15 to make IRA and HSA contributions for the previous year, which can help manage your taxable income. (Service, 2024)
  • Rebalancing helps you stay on track with your investment plan. As one expert explains, disciplined rebalancing “takes the emotion out of” decisions—and it naturally encourages you to trim what’s grown and add to what’s lagged.

Step 1: Begin with Existing Financial Data

Before you set new goals, check your 2025 numbers. Look at your total income, expenses, and how much you saved or invested. See if there are habits you can change, like cutting back on subscriptions, eating out less, or avoiding surprise costs. Try to increase your contributions if you can.

Step 2: Build a Strong Financial Base Before Taking Bigger Investment Risks

The article recommends a simple order: build emergency savings first, pay off high-interest debt next, and then invest more. Credit card interest is usually higher than what you earn from safe investments, so paying off that debt often makes more sense than chasing bigger returns in a regular investment account.

Step 3: Review Your Financial Goals and Adjust Your Accounts

Long-term goals like retirement, buying a home, or saving for college usually stay the same, but your short-term goals might change each year. In New Mexico, you may need to decide whether to put money into retirement accounts or education savings. The New Mexico Higher Education Department says state taxpayers can deduct contributions to the state’s 529 plan from their New Mexico income tax. (Education Trust Board of New Mexico Presentation, 2023)

Step 4: Raise Your Contributions Carefully Without Waiting Too Long

If you can raise your workplace retirement contributions by just 1 or 2 percent, it can add up over time. The IRS has also increased the 2026 limits for 401(k) and IRA accounts. (IRS Announces 2026 Contribution Limits for 401(k) and IRA Plans, 2025) The article suggests increasing your contributions, and if it feels like too much, you can always lower them later. As financial planner Craig Ferrantino says, “If you overdo it, you can always bring it back down.”

Step 5: Set Up Automatic Contributions to Keep Making Progress

Automation is a useful habit. If you move money early in the month, you’re less likely to spend it on other things. The article says this makes saving easier, especially when life gets busy, and spending is tempting.

Step 6: Plan for Taxes All Year Long

Even if you won’t file your taxes until next year, you can start getting organized now. Keep a folder for W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and brokerage tax forms. The article also notes that you usually have until April 15 to make extra IRA or HSA contributions for the previous year, which can affect your taxable income.

For New Mexico residents, state tax breaks may affect which accounts you put money into first, such as the state 529 deduction. When investing in municipal bond funds for taxable income, state tax rules can vary depending on where the bonds are from and where you live. In New Mexico, it’s important to track how much of a fund’s income comes from New Mexico bonds versus those from other states. Income from state and local bonds is taxed in New Mexico, but you may be able to deduct some related investment costs.

NM Prosecutors Allege Meta Misled the Public About Harms to Minors on Facebook and Instagram

Juan Oliveros
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NM Prosecutors Allege Meta Misled the Public About Harms to Minors on Facebook and Instagram

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office alleged that Meta Platforms lied about the harms its platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, pose to teens and children in a landmark lawsuit against the social media giant.

Evidence showed that Meta raked in profits while concealing the harms its platforms pose to children, said Attorney Don Migliori, representing New Mexico, in a Santa Fe courtroom.

Migliori accused Meta of “downplaying or outright lying about what it knows about the dangers of its platforms.”

He said the state will call former employees of the social media giant who raised internal warnings. The state will also present child welfare experts as witnesses, Migliori added.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit against Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2023.

The complaint alleges that Meta knew that Facebook and Instagram could be unsafe for minors. Publicly, however, it minimized or misrepresented these risks.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom on Monday, Torrez said that a win in this case could also result in the court telling Meta to change how its platforms operate. The company could also face financial penalties amounting to billions of dollars.

Torrez said a New Mexico win against Meta will “completely change the narrative about what they claim is possible everywhere else.”

Meta, in its defense, has rejected the allegations.

Kevin Huff, one of the lawyers representing Meta, told the court during the opening statements that the company has been transparent about the limits of its safety measures.

He said his client regularly publishes reports on the prevalence of child sexual abuse material and other harmful content. And it consistently worked to remove harmful material from its platforms.

Meta informed the public of these risks, Huff claimed. “It didn’t deceive anyone.”

The trial is expected to last about seven weeks.

New Mexico is the first U.S. state to hold the company accountable for the alleged harms it caused to children.

Wildfire Near I-40 in New Mexico Threatens Structures, Burns 1,000 Acres

Juan Oliveros
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Wildfire Near I-40 in New Mexico Threatens Structures, Burns 1,000 Acres

QUAY COUNTY, New Mexico – A wildfire burning near Interstate 40 in Quay County threatening nearby structures has already burned some 1,000 acres. Firefighters have yet to contain the fire as of Monday.

The blaze, known as 352 Fire, was discovered Monday at around 12:30 pm near mile marker 352, north of San Jon, according to the federal inter-agency website, New Mexico Fire Information. The fire has spread through grass and brush. It sent thick smoke visible from I-40 and prompted road closures and advisories to evacuate.

Authorities have closed State Road 469 north of San Jon as local officials went house to house notifying residents in areas near the fire. They advised residents to evacuate if instructed and stay clear from the area to allow emergency crews to conduct the containment efforts safely.

Firefighters of the New Mexico Forestry Division led the fire suppession operation, with support from local and state responders.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Quay County has recorded dozens of wildfires from 1997 to 2003, burning thousands of acres. The recent grass fires continued to affect the county.

People are advised to take extra precautions especially those who are sensitive to wildfire smoke. To assess whether it is safe to stay outdoors, residents can use the New Mexico Department of Health’s 5-3-1 Visibility Method.

EP Wealth Advisors Expands to New Mexico to Enhance Client Services: Broader Planning and Local Expertise Await

Victoria Padilla
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EP Wealth Advisors Expands to New Mexico to Enhance Client Services: Broader Planning and Local Expertise Await

EP Wealth Advisors has acquired LongView Asset Management, a registered investment adviser in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with over $390 million in assets under management. This acquisition significantly expands EP Wealth Advisors’ presence in New Mexico. Financial and legal terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, LongView is known for its commitment to sustainability and responsible investing. As the first financial services firm in New Mexico to earn B Corporation certification, LongView is recognized for its values-driven approach. (LongView Asset Management – B Corp Certification, 2019) With this acquisition, EP Wealth Advisors will leverage local expertise and offer LongView clients expanded planning services, including tax, estate, and legacy planning support.

David Cantor, founder of LongView, will join EP Wealth Advisors as senior vice president, along with seven team members. Advice Dynamics Partners served as LongView’s advisor during the transaction.

As of December 31, 2025, EP Wealth Advisors manages more than $42.2 billion in client assets and operates over 64 offices in 23 states. The firm also receives minority equity investments from Berkshire Partners and Ares Management.

Key Transaction Details

  • Acquirer: EP Wealth Advisors
  • Acquired Firm: LongView Asset Management (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
  • Assets Acquired: Over $390 million in assets under management
  • Transaction Close Date: January 30, 2026
  • Team Transition: Founder David Cantor and seven additional team members will join EP Wealth Advisors.
  • Transaction Terms: Not disclosed

Statements from Leadership

“This partnership strengthens EP Wealth and expands our capabilities in New Mexico,” said CEO Ryan Parker. He added, “LongView clients will benefit from our expanded services.”

Everfi and Its Partners Are Giving Students a New Way To Pay for College: Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships for Those Who Finish Financial Education Courses

Victoria Padilla
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Everfi and Its Partners Are Giving Students a New Way To Pay for College: Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships for Those Who Finish Financial Education Courses

Everfi just rolled out a new scholarship program worth more than $1.5 million, supported by nine companies and nonprofits. The idea is simple: students who take financial and life skills courses on Everfi’s platform can earn scholarships to help them continue their education after high school.

Companies and organizations backing the scholarships include CalKIDS, Center for Audit Quality, City National Bank, Edward Jones, MassMutual Foundation, OneMain Financial, PenFed Credit Union, Principal Foundation, and Truth Initiative. Everfi says this program lets its partners reach more students by leveraging their school connections and their online platform.

Key Details

  • Total Commitment: Over $1.5 million in scholarships
  • Named Partners: CalKIDS, Center for Audit Quality, City National Bank, Edward Jones, MassMutual Foundation, OneMain Financial, PenFed Credit Union, Principal Foundation, and Truth Initiative
  • Delivery Model: Scholarships are linked to completion of financial and life-skills education provided through Everfi’s platform and school network.
  • Policy Context: This announcement comes as the federal government is starting the new “Invest America” child investment account. Beginning July 4, 2026, babies born between 2025 and 2028 will get a $1,000 federal deposit to help kickstart their savings for the future.

Everfi says the new scholarships are a response to how expensive college has become and the fact that fewer teens are enrolling. In 2024, only about 63% of recent high school grads enrolled in college, and many say money is a major reason.

Ray Martinez, CEO of Everfi, said the goal is to turn what students learn in class into real help for their futures. “More than ever, students and families need pathways that translate education into opportunity,” he said.

Paola Garcia-Abbo, a vice president at OneMain Financial, called these scholarships a way to break down barriers for students who are trying to learn—and build a better future for themselves.

Everfi said it works with thousands of school districts across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, and that its partners use the platform to run scholarship and awareness efforts while aligning implementation with state and federal guidance.

New Mexico Homebuyers Face a “Lock-In” Market as Sellers Sit Tight on Low-Rate Mortgages

Victoria Padilla
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New Mexico Homebuyers Face a “Lock-In” Market as Sellers Sit Tight on Low-Rate Mortgages

New Mexico’s housing market is experiencing a trend seen across the country. Many homeowners do not want to sell because they have low-rate mortgages of 2% to 3%. Selling would mean buying a new home at much higher rates. This “mortgage lock-in” keeps the number of homes for sale low, which limits choices for buyers and helps keep prices high, even though homes are less affordable.

Economists say mortgage lock-in happens when homeowners are discouraged from moving because they would have to take on a new mortgage at a higher rate. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shows that this can lead people to move less often and to fewer homes for sale, tightening supply and pushing prices up.

Key Facts for New Mexico Homebuyers:

  • The number of homes for resale remains low when owners keep their low-rate mortgages rather than putting their homes on the market.
  • New Mexico is still one of the least affordable states for homebuyers. In 2024, the median listing price was $392,571, and only a small number of homes were affordable for people earning the median income. In 2025, the median home price in Albuquerque is $360,000, and in Santa Fe, it is $675,000. Homes also tend to stay on the market longer across the state.
  • Homeowners who locked in 2% to 3% mortgage rates during 2020 and 2021 are understandably reluctant to move and give that up, Rocket Mortgage executive Bill Banfield said.

What “lock-in” means for New Mexico buyers

In practice, lock-in makes it harder for buyers, especially first-time buyers, because fewer homeowners are selling and moving up. With fewer homes for sale, buyers have to compete for fewer listings. This can keep prices higher than expected, even as borrowing costs rise.

Pew’s reporting shows that New Mexico’s housing shortage has deeper roots than today’s high rates alone. Rules and processes have limited homebuilding for years, resulting in fewer homes available for sale. This makes the lock-in effect even more important. When fewer people move, there is even less flexibility in the market.

Why the market doesn’t “unlock” quickly

To see real improvement, the market usually needs one or more of the following changes:

  • Lower mortgage rates, which would reduce the difference between what current owners pay and what new buyers would pay;
  • More new homes are being built, especially those that are affordable for first-time buyers, or
  • Life events, such as job changes, growing families, or retirement, can prompt people to move even when the financial situation is not ideal.

The Philadelphia Fed says lock-in is mainly about incentives. When it costs a lot to get a new mortgage, many people wait to move, which means fewer home sales and listings.

The bottom line

In New Mexico, where there have often been too few homes for sale, mortgage lock-in can make the shortage even worse. This keeps the market tough for buyers, especially those who do not already own a home, until rates drop, more homes are built, or both.

NTU Students Meet Governor Grisham at Annual American Indian Day in New Mexico State Capitol

Grace Tackman
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NTU Students Meet Governor Grisham at Annual American Indian Day in New Mexico State Capitol

Navajo Technical University (NTU) students met New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham at the 39th Annual American Indian Day on February 6. 

NTU students, staff, and administrators visited the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe to participate in the legislative observance.

In a news release, the university reported that Grisham spoke with students and offered words of encouragement. Their interaction emphasized continued support for Native education and student leadership.

Throughout the morning, NTU students Kendrick Sorrell, Student Senate Master of Arms; Tamalaya Begaye, Student Senate Secretary; Kory Begay and Amber James, Peer Navigators; along with NTU staff Michael McMillin, Student Recruiter, and Dee Anna Lee James, First Year Experience Career & Academic Advisor, engaged with state and tribal leaders to share information about NTU’s academic programs, enrollment opportunities, and student support services. They were joined by NTU administrators Dr. Jason Arviso, Vice President of Operations; Abe Bitok, Director of Support Services; and Darly Begay, Government Affairs Officer. 

Together, the delegation served as strong advocates for the university. They amplified student voices and highlighted the importance of access to higher education for Native communities.

NTU Students Gain Valuable Leadership Experience at American Indian Day

Dr. Jason Arviso, Vice President of Operations, praised the students’ leadership and presence at the Capitol and reflected on their experience.

“Our students carried themselves with confidence, purpose, and pride,” said Dr. Arviso.

“Their willingness to speak up, represent their university, and engage with leaders shows the strength of Native student leadership and the bright future they are building—not only for themselves, but for their communities.”

NTU representatives also met with leaders from the Navajo Nation and officials from New Mexico state agencies, including Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren; Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Crystalyne Curley; Navajo Nation Delegates Dr. Andy Nez and Amber Crotty; Lynda Lovejoy; JoAnn Jayne, Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General; Stephanie Rodriguez, Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department; and Marisa Valdez, Infrastructure Program Manager with the Department of Finance and Administration. These discussions helped build stronger relationships that support NTU’s mission and foster future collaboration.

These discussions helped build stronger relationships that support NTU’s mission and foster future collaboration.

NTU’s participation in American Indian Day at the Legislature reflects the university’s continued commitment to student advocacy and civic engagement. It also demonstrated efforts to expand higher education opportunities for Native students across New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

The annual event honored Native American citizens and leaders while recognizing their enduring contributions to the State of New Mexico. The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department hosted the event. 

ViscoTec Expands in North America With Acquisition of Mexican Partner

Juan Oliveros
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ViscoTec Expands in North America With Acquisition of Mexican Partner

German dosing firm ViscoTec has consolidated its North and Central American footprint after acquiring its longtime Mexican sales partner, MEI Representaciones, a move that formally launched ViscoTec Mexico.

The dosing firm completed the acquisition of MEI on January 23, 2026, bringing the Querétaro-based partner into ViscoTec’s global operations. The deal is part of the company’s overall strategy to deepen its presence in key manufacturing markets and enhance its supply chain amid growing demand from the tech industry.

Mexico is an emerging key manufacturing and supply-chain hub playing a crucial role in supplying the US market, according to the International Centre for Trade Transparency & Monitoring. It ranked among the world’s Top 10 exporting nations with strong exports to the US.

ViscoTec said the new branch will enable the company to better serve its clients across sectors, including electronics, e-mobility, automotive, food processing, cosmetics, and aerospace.

“With the acquisition of MEI, we are creating a direct basis for sustainable growth in one of the most important production locations in North and Central America,” said Franz Kamhuber, managing director of ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH.

The company appointed Héctor Bravo Ontiveros as managing director of ViscoTec Mexico. Bravo, a mechatronics engineer with a long history with the company, worked in Germany before joining MEI. He rose from sales engineer to the management team.

“For more than a decade, my team and I have helped establish and grow ViscoTec’s presence in Mexico,” Bravo said.

He said, “Becoming part of ViscoTec is a natural next step.”

ViscoTec will absorb MEI’s workforce of nine employees. Founded in 1985 as Montajes Electromecánicos e Ingeniería S.A. de C.V., MEI has built a strong track record as a reliable industrial partner in the region. It’s more than a 10-year collaboration with ViscoTec America that eventually paved the way for the acquisition.

ViscoTec expects the new branch to improve response time. The tech company is optimistic it can strengthen its operational control and enhance customer service through direct sales support and localized logistics.

NM Lawmakers Push Epstein ‘Truth Commission,’ Critics Warn of Limits

Juan Oliveros
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NM Lawmakers Push Epstein ‘Truth Commission,’ Critics Warn of Limits

The proposal to create a “truth commission” to conduct a broad review of what the government knew or did in relation to possible crimes tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s Santa Fe County ranch is moving forward in the New Mexico Legislature.

Some lawmakers, however, raised concerns about its effectiveness and possible political implications.

Commission, a bipartisan body

House Joint Resolution 1 advanced to the House floor after the House Judiciary Committee gave its go signal to the proposal on Saturday. The House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee had earlier cleared the measure.

The resolution seeks to establish a bipartisan fact-finding body to review what state officials knew—or failed to act on—about the activities at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch near Stanley.

Lawmakers who support the proposal say the goal is not to litigate individual criminal allegations but to establish an accurate public record.

“This is about getting the story straight,” said Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Sta. Fe, one of the sponsors of the measure.

Not into criminal investigation

Romero said the proposed commission is not a criminal investigation body looking into allegations of sex trafficking or abuse. It will function instead as a broad review of what the government had done or failed to do regarding Epstein’s presence in New Mexico.

Epstein was a wealthy financier with close ties to powerful political figures and had extensive social connections. He died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019, before a federal trial on sex trafficking charges began.

Several court filings and media reports mentioned his ranch in Sta. Fe, New Mexico as a place where allegations of sexual abuse happened.

The proponents of the measure argue that a truth commission could help clarify to the public what the law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other public institutions had done or failed to do.

The fact-finding process may lead to policy recommendations that prevent similar failures, if any, in the future.

Critics raise concerns

Critics, however, have raised concerns that the truth commission may fail to fulfill its mandate without sufficient subpoena power or a clear mandate.

Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, expressed concern that the commission could become a political tool. She sought clarification on whether the fact-finding body would also be willing to act against Democrats who might be implicated. 

Once the House approves the resolution, it will move to the Senate for consideration.

UNM Grads Present Oscars Proposal to Chicago Bar Association

Grace Tackman
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UNM Grads Present Oscars Proposal to Chicago Bar Association

Four University of New Mexico (UNM) pre-law alumni delivered a proposal before the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), seeking the creation of an official task force to study Oscar desegregation.  

The proposal was initially a final project in Professor Lawrence Jones’ Constitutional Law course in the Fall of 2023. It then evolved into a 99-page formal presentation and proposal. “UNM 10” submitted to the President and Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for review on October 8, 2024.

Peyton Bowes, Isabella Storms, Almarina Sosa, and Abigail McCoy presented a panel before CBA. They discussed the potential social and legal flaws in dividing categories, such as best actor and best actress, by gender. 

The four are part of the “UNM 10.” Then, the students found the issues and initiative relevant and continued developing their work on the subject with Jones after the semester’s end. 

UNM Grads Reflect on Presenting to the CBA

For Bowes, it was a huge honor to present before the CBA. “When the concept was first proposed to me, the idea of it made me nervous because, while I had done several interviews, I had never presented on a panel before, and I wasn’t sure how it would be different or how many people would be watching.” 

“The unknown aspect was a bit nerve-wracking, as it always is, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity presented to share our work on the Oscars project. I think it is generally more of a benefit than a detriment to step outside one’s comfort zone, anyway.”

The CBA is among the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the country. It has attracted a nationwide membership in part due to its educational offerings. 

“I was truly honored that such a prestigious organization was interested in hearing our perspective, especially given that we are not lawyers,” Storms told UNM News. “Despite that distinction, they treated our presentation with the same seriousness and respect afforded to those delivered by legal professionals. It was clear to me that they were fully committed to ensuring our presentation met the same high standards as the others that day. That commitment spoke volumes about the organization’s integrity and its genuine interest in diverse, well-considered viewpoints.”

Storms said she hopes that if they continue to participate in discussions, they will be able to enact change. 

“Gender segregation within the Oscar awards may not seem like such a big deal to everyday individuals who are not involved in filmmaking. But I believe that there is a [trickle-down] effect. If gender inequality at the most predominant awards in the [film-making] industry can not only be allowed but broadcast and celebrated, how can sexism not be internalized systemically?” 

Professor Jones’ Perspective on His Former Students’ Initiative

Jones, who created the pre-law students’ Oscars project for his class, expressed pride in his students’ hard work. 

“I am very proud of the hard work that UNM’s pre-law students put into the presentation, both to the Academy and to the Chicago Bar Association. As future attorneys who have not yet even started law school, their efforts and professionalism are remarkable and set a great example for other students who are ready to share their thoughts and ideas not only within UNM’s Constitutional Law classroom, but with the world,” he said.

“In this particular case, hopefully the Academy President and Board of Governors of the Actors’ Branch, as well as other Academy members interested in the subject, are willing to listen with open minds and will respond positively to the students’ hard work, efforts, and detailed analysis of the legal and social issues that are the focus of the presentation and proposal. These issues merit  discussion both within the Academy itself and by the Academy leadership with the public in an open, constructive, and healthy way.”

The Academy leadership has not responded to the group’s presentation, according to UNM News. No changes have been made to the organization’s Oscar structure, nor has a task force been formed to evaluate changes. The 2026 Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, on ABC. 

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