Welcome to 2026, where the world seems to be collectively re-evaluating everything from finances to family planning. As the Moneyist columns from 2025 prove, folks are still grappling with their financial decisions. The most popular advice pieces highlight a year of uncertainty, where readers sought guidance on everything from investments to navigating the murky waters of retirement savings. It’s almost poetic how, while many are looking to secure their futures, China is trying to spur its own by taxing condoms and contraceptive drugs, as if the key to a booming population is just a little financial nudge in the right direction [1]. Maybe it’s a sign of the times—everyone’s trying to figure out how to make the most out of what they have, whether it's money or family.
Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Georgia’s football coach Kirby Smart is feeling the pressure after a critical fourth-down decision led to a loss that could have been avoided. He admitted, "It's on us as coaches," which feels like a reflection of the broader human experience—making choices that carry weight and sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences [2]. Just like in finance, where a mismanaged investment can lead to regret, in sports, a single play can haunt a coach long after the final whistle blows.
And as if that weren't enough, the world was shocked by the tragic death of a woman in Colorado, allegedly due to a mountain lion attack while hiking. It’s a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability and the sometimes dangerous dance we do when we step into its realm [3]. In this age of constant connection, where we can stream a movie on a projector that just got a brightness upgrade from Samsung[4], the raw intensity of real-life encounters can feel like a jarring contrast, can't it? One moment you’re marveling at technological advances, and the next, you’re reminded of the wildness just outside our door.
As the Asian Film Awards suspended competitive categories in light of a devastating fire in Hong Kong, we see another layer of this complex narrative [5]. The arts are often a reflection of society’s trials and tribulations, and when tragedy strikes, even the most glamorous events can feel trivial. Yet, in the face of adversity, we often find resilience, just as India’s Arya.ag continues to attract investment despite falling global crop prices, showing that innovation can thrive even in difficult times [6].
As we kick off this new year, it feels like we’re collectively navigating through a storm of challenges and opportunities, from the micro-level of our personal finances to the macro-level of global events. Whether it’s through the lens of sports, nature, film, or agriculture, the thread remains the same: we’re all just trying to figure out how to move forward, one decision at a time. Here’s to hoping we can learn from our past, adapt to the present, and keep our eyes on the future.
Sources:
- "Here are the most popular Moneyist columns of 2025"
- "Smart: UGA 4th-down faux paw 'on us as coaches'"
- "Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack while hiking in northern Colorado"
- "Samsung adds much needed brightness to its Freestyle projector"
- "Asian Film Awards Suspends Competitive Categories After Hong Kong Fire"
- "Even as global crop prices fall, India’s Arya.ag is attracting investors — and staying profitable"