How should my financial priorities shift when I enter my 40s?

Your 40s are the pivot from accumulation habits to acceleration and protection. Retirement savings should move to the front: aim to max tax-advantaged accounts if you can, because you are close enough to retirement that under-saving now is hard to fix later. Reassess risk by confirming your asset allocation still matches your timeline rather than the aggressive mix from your 20s. Increase disability and life coverage if your income and obligations have grown. If you have kids, balance college saving against retirement, remembering you can borrow for college but not for retirement. Refresh your estate documents after any marriage, divorce, or new child. Run a projection with the Retirement Planner at wealthserene.com/tools/retirement-planner to see whether your current pace lands you on target.