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New Year, New Financial You: Top Tips for 2026

The new year is a great time to reassess your financial situation and set new goals. Read on to learn some practical steps to help you improve your finances in 2026.

Create or Update Your Budget

A clear budget is the backbone of good financial planning. List all your income sources and monthly expenses and find ways to cut back on unnecessary spending. For example, try cancelling subscriptions you might not need — or ones you forgot you even have. Consider using a budgeting app to help streamline the process too.

Build an Emergency Fund

Life happens — car repairs, medical bills or sudden job changes. Save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. This will help you prepare for unexpected emergencies and give you peace of mind that you won’t bust your budget if something does arise.

Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings accounts each pay period. This makes saving a nonnegotiable habit and helps you build your savings effortlessly.

Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score impacts your ability to get loans and favorable interest rates. Check your credit report for errors and pay down existing debts. Keeping your credit utilization under 30% and making payments on time will help keep your credit score on track.

Pay Off High-Interest Debt

Prioritize paying off high-interest debts like credit card balances. Use methods like the snowball method (starting with smaller debts) or the avalanche method (tackling high-interest debt first). As that high-interest debt is paid down, you can focus on further building your savings.

Invest in Your Future

Consider long-term investments like an individual retirement account (IRA) for tax-deferred growth. Some employers may also offer a 401(k) match, which is another great way to maximize your retirement savings. Look into diversifying your investments to spread risk and potentially increase returns over time.

Increase Your Financial Literacy

Educate yourself about personal finance. Read books, listen to podcasts or watch videos on financial topics. Understanding how your money works will help you make informed financial decisions.

Set Financial Goals

Set both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals like adjusting your budget can have immediate benefits, while long-term goals like growing your savings will improve your financial health over time.

By following these steps, you can set yourself up for a financially healthier new year. Remember, achieving financial security takes planning and work, but the rewards will be well worth the effort!

Sources:

https://www.academybank.com/article/20-financial-and-budgeting-new-years-resolutions-for-2025

https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/ways-to-improve-your-finances