Set Up for a Successful Year

New year, new goals. It’s always easy to set goals this time of year, but sometimes frustrating to reach them. With many members hoping to improve savings and trim spending in 2026, we’ve put together a few easy ideas that make financial improvement attainable. 

Make a budget your buddy

It’s easy to see a budget as your foe, but it should be your bestie. Like friends, a good budget is the one that’s honest and reality-based.  

We offer tools in Online Banking called "My Spending" and "My Savings" that help you track and manage money, and are helpful as you put together a budget. You can find these in Online Banking under our "Wealth Management" menu. 

Members also like this free budgeting worksheet. Gather info from recent deposits and expenses using your Online Banking. Once a few details have been input, the worksheet does the math and keeps you honest about your budget. You’ll easily track annual spending and budget progress. We recommend printing your budget out to post where you’ll see it. Apps are great, too, but having a hard copy posted somewhere you can’t miss helps you focus on it. 

More than half of Americans spend hours a day worrying about their finances. Let your budget reduce that stress. 

Be loud and proud about your budget

If you’re pressured to go to a pricey restaurant or event you can’t afford, never be shy about saying “I can’t, I’m on a budget.” It’s called the “Loud Budgeting” method, and reminds your friends that you’re being money-smart and focused on building your financial future. It usually sparks conversations with friends about saving money, which is a win for everyone you care about. 

Take your own financial temperature

You can’t set effective financial goals without knowing how you’re currently doing. Our 8 Essential Financial Figures You Should Know guide helps you determine where you are right now. From learning your credit score to determining your debt, this resource helps you set a starting point so you can successfully move forward.  

Set it and forget it

Nothing builds confidence like knowing you have a bit of money set aside for emergencies, yet many Americans don’t have this peace of mind. We make it easy to achieve this with our Get Fit Savings Plan. Set up automatic transfers of as little as $10 each month. When you reach a threshold of your choice, the balance is transferred to a higher-yield certificate. Your deposits, earnings, and confidence grow automatically. Learn more and open your account today.