26 Financial Resolution Ideas for 2026

Make 2026 the Year of Financial Health. 

Every year, we see and hear the same things. "New Year, New Me!" floods our timelines along with a deluge of new gym memberships and new diet plans, and we're left wanting to better ourselves. Sometimes we do, and sometimes we fall short of that goal. This year, why not make the promise to yourself instead to do one thing to better your Financial Health? It's easier than going to the gym, right?

To help you reach that goal, we've come up with a list of our Top 26 Financial Resolution Ideas:

1. Set a Savings Goal

Kicking it off easy, we have the tried and true resolution: save more money. But just as with any goal, it's important to quantify what "saving more" means to you. Is that a percentage of your paycheck? Is that a specific dollar amount? Whatever helps you keep your eye on the prize so that come December 31st, you can say, "I did it!"
Tip: Try out the 50/30/20 Rule.

2. Save More with Automation

Don't have a specific amount in mind, just know you want to save more this year? That's fine! You can automate your savings and watch as your account grows with every deposit. To do this, you could start a savings distribution with your direct deposit so that each month, you are saving automatically with each paycheck. You could also use an automation tool, such as our Save the Change Tool, which rounds up every debit card purchase to place the change into your Savings Account. Either way, you will be building your savings.  
Tip: Use our FREE Save the Change Tool.

3. Track Your Spending

Checkbook registers may be a thing of the past, but tracking your spending shouldn't be! Tracking helps you stay on top of your finances so that you don't overdraft your account by accident and helps catch any suspicious activity on your account (though we have Fraud Detection features for that as well). Keeping a closer eye on your spending can also help you to identify spending habits that you may want to change or cut back on.  
Tip: Track your spending with the FFCU App.

4. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Are you really using every subscription you have? Do you know how many you have? It's likely that there is at least one subsciption - a streaming service, a food delivery service, etc. - that you no longer use and could be saving monthly on if you cancelled.  
Tip: Review your subscriptions and cancel the one(s) you no longer need.

5. Try a New Financial Tool

Financial Tools are just that - tools - to make your life simpler. If you haven't tried any of our new features, make it your mission this year to try one out! Text to pay your loan with Message Pay. Send money with Zelle. Deposit remotely with Mobile Deposit.
Tip: Have a check to deposit after hours? Use our free Mobile Deposit tool in the FFCU App.

6. Start Saving for Retirement

It's never too early OR too late to save for retirement. The important step is that you begin. Make this the year you finally set aside funds with the words "Retirement" etched across them. (Metaphorically, of course; please don't write on your money). No matter if you save $5 or $5,000, if you contribute to an IRA or a 401k, any amount in any way is better than where you started.
Tip: Traditional vs. Roth IRA - find the one that's right for you with our free IRA Calculator.

7. Increase Your Contributions

Already saving for retirement? That's great! Dare to increase your IRA or 401k contributions now and end 2026 with even more in your Retirement Account. Already maxed out your 401k contributions? Add an IRA to the mix to diversify your portfolio.
Tip: Consider an Individual Retirement Account with FFCU. Learn more here.

8. Curb Impulse Purchases

Picture this - you're at the grocery store. Inevitably, you come to the check out aisle and find that you're thirsty. And hungry. So you grab a soda and a candy bar and throw them into your cart. Were those planned purchases? Of course not. Were they bad purchases? Not necessarily, but other, larger impulse purchases may be hindering you from reaching your goals just like that candy bar is tempting you to cheat on your diet. Impulse purchases add up over time, and if you want a way to curb your spending, this is a good issue to address. 
Tip: Walk away from the item. Did you still want it when you came back?

9. Shop with Lists

Want a tried and true way to curb impulse purchases? Shop with lists in 2026. It'll help you stick to needs rather than wants. And, if the would-be impuse buy is something you really want, you can always put it on the "for later" list.
Tip: Use your notes app to make shopping lists. Or go retro and use pen and paper!

10. Prioritize Rewards

You're still swiping without rewards? In 2026?? We HAVE to change that. Prioritize using a debit card or credit card (*hint hint, like ours, hint hint*) that comes equipt with rewards points. 
Tip: Enroll in our uChoose Rewards Program.

11. Check Your Credit More Often

My credit score's not there if I don't check it, right? WRONG. Your credit score is there and it needs to be paid attention. That little 3-digit number  impacts your ability to get loans, the interest rate for said loans, insurance premiums... it can even impact job offers. You should check it so that you know where you stand and whether or not you need improve it. Equally important is your credit history. Checking your credit history helps you spot errors like incorrectly listed late payments or any fraudulent claims on your report.
Tip: View your free credit report on the Annual Credit Report site.

12. Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit score is always a worthwhile financial goal. Whether your score is 500 or 700, you can set your sights on an upwards trajectory. Aim to improve the factors that influence your score, such as: your credit utilization, the types of credit you are using (credit mix), your payment history, the amount you owe, etc.
Tip: Talk with an FFCU Loan Officer to see how you can improve your score.

13. Stick to a Budget

Want to bring it back to basics? Resolve to stick to a budget in 2026. It's old fashioned, but hey - that's okay! Budgeting is good for all ages and all financial situations. So go on, be boring! The ones without a budget won't be laughing when they see how much you've saved by December 31st.
Tip: Try one of our free FFCU Budgeting Templates.

14. Pay Down Debt

Paying down debt as soon as possible is certainly a worthwhile resolution. With it, you can possibly: reduce the amount you pay in interest, improve your credit score, and free up money for other things.
Tip: Talk to an FFCU Loan Officer to see if this is right for you.

15. Switch to Bi-Monthly

If your goal this year is to pay down your loan faster, then bi-monthly payments may just be the thing for you. 
Tip: Call us and ask to switch!

16. Grow Your Emergency Savings

Are you seeing the savings trend here, yet? The truth is, it's an important part of your financial health. Equally important is a chunk of change set aside specifically for emergencies. If you don't have an emergency savings in place, it's a great goal to chase.
Tip: Start saving for an emergency before there is one. 

17. Review Your Insurance Policies

Yes, (*cue eye roll*) we know it's boring. But the millions of commercials you hear each year spewing lines like "see how much you could be saving" aren't wrong. Sometimes, it pays to switch, especially as a credit union member. Did you know that credit unions often offer major insurance savings for their members? Not boring anymore, huh.
Tip: Check with our partner, TruStage, to see if you could be saving on auto insurance, life insurance, or home insurance.

18. Get Credit Counseling

We're not telling you you need help, but we're also not not telling you you need help... Make 2026 the year you finally see someone (about your credit).
Tip: Take advantage of our free Credit Counseling services.

19. Teach Your Kids About Money

If you have kids, one of the best things you can do for them is teach them about finances. Communicating the importance of saving and living within your means can help them understand good money habits from a young age. Start with an allowance. Teach them about budgeting. Have them set a goal to save for a new toy they've been wanting! You can get creative or you can keep it simple - either way, you will be helping them form good habits which they will carry into adult life.
Tip: Start your child off with an FFCU Kids Savings Account, which comes equipt with Report Card Rewards!

20. Cut Down on Late Fees

Some people decide to cut carbs, you decided to cut late fees. And you know what? Both are valid. But cutting out late fees, that's smart and best of all, totally doable. If the reason you're piling up with late fees is because you can't remember to pay on time, then we have good news for you. Our free Bill Pay feature, included in Online Banking is just the tool for you. Set it and forget it (without the worry of another late fee).
Tip: Use our Bill Pay feature to make sure you pay your bills on time.

21. Start Consolidating

Have so many loan payments and financial institutions to deal with that you feel like you can't keep your head on straight? Simplify your finances in 2026 by consolidating. Fewer loans mean fewer chances to miss a payment, and less late fee opportunities. Plus, by restructuring, you may be able to lower your rate or even your overall amount due. Now that's something to celebrate!
Tip: Use our FREE Debt Consolidation Calculator to see how much you could save by consolidating.

22. Save This Year's Refund

Again with the saving! Yes, again with the saving. If you get a tax refund this year, one financial resolution available to you would be to save said refund.
Tip: When you get your refund check, use our Mobile Deposit feature to pop it into your Savings Account.

23. Learn a New Financial Lit Topic

What's one financial topic you've never learned about? Maybe you've never looked into what makes up that three digit number that rules the financial world, a credit score. Maybe you've never leared the difference between a Roth and a Traditional IRA. Whatever it is, choose to make 2026 the year you learn about it!
Tip: Check out or FFCU Blog to research a new financial topic.

24. Plan Ahead for Large Purchases

Some things in life just can't be planned: a flat tire, a broken arm, an AC Unit repair, ...that evil check engine light. Some things, however, can be. For those purchases, set a goal this year to plan ahead. 
Tip: Start saving for your next vacation now with an FFCU Vacation Club Account.

25. Write Your Will

One unfortunate fact of life is that it will one day come to a close. So for the sake of your loved ones, PLEASE write a will before that day comes. You'll save your family the headache of legal fees and arguments over your wishes. 
Tip: FFCU Members can make use of our FREE Notary Services.

26. Communicate Better with Your Lenders

You rang? No, you didn't. And the deferral your lender could have given you to avoid late fees and docking your credit wasn't given. Do you like this picture? Of course not! So make the resolution this year to communicate with your lenders. Tell us if you're in a financial bind. We may be able to help.
Tip: Pick up the phone!

Bonus Tip: Try a Credit Union

If you aren't currently a member of Florence Federal Credit Union, join us this year. Come experience the difference of a credit union, where the philosophy of "People Helping People" is the rule of the land, and our members our always the priority. See the difference that lower fees, better rates, and one-on-one personalized service can make! 

This year, and every year, we remain Caring, Committed, and Connected…to you!

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