It’s officially 2026 – a fresh start and a chance to make this your best financial year yet! No matter what your goals look like, focusing on a few new key habits now can set you up for success all year long. Here are five financial resolutions to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Set a Target for Your IRA Savings
Individual Retirement Accounts, or IRAs, allow you to save for the future. Unlike 401Ks, they are not tied to your employer. Take these steps to meet your goals:
- If you don’t have an IRA, you can open an IRA with us and start contributing anytime.
- If you have an IRA already, think about how much you can contribute in a year. Check the IRS website for current limits.
- Calculate the maximum contribution you can make without compromising your current financial status and look into automatically drafting that money into your IRA from your bank account each month so that you won’t forget.
Start Saving for Your Child’s Education
Even if college feels far away, early planning can make future expenses easier to manage. Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts allow you to save for your child’s qualified school expenses, such as tuition, books, and related supplies. Take these steps to start saving:
- Let family members know about the account – they may want to contribute for birthdays or holidays.
- Look for small swaps in your weekly spending and redirect those savings into the account.
- Coordinate efforts with other family members who may be saving for your child to make sure you stay within the $2,000 per child, per year limit for contributions.
Put Money Away for a Down Payment on a House
If you see homeownership in your future, preparing now can make the process smoother and give you more flexibility when you’re ready to buy. We offer tools and programs to help you along the way. Here are a few ways to get started saving money for the down payment on your new mortgage:
- Start by setting a clear savings goal. You can see what your future monthly payments might look like with our mortgage payment calculator.
- Set up an automatic transfer each month from your checking account to your savings account. This way, you won’t forget to save money.
- Putting bonuses, tax refunds, and any other unexpected windfalls toward your down payment savings.
Pay Off Your Student Loans
People spend decades paying off their student loans. The sooner you can get rid of yours, the more money you’ll have available to put toward other savings goals. Try these strategies:
- Look into refinancing the loans at a lower rate so that you can put more money toward the principal of the loan.
- Use extra money, such as cash rewards from a credit card, to make extra payments on your student loans.
- Research your consolidation options to determine if you can lower your interest rate and save money.
Build Up Your Emergency Fund
You never know when an emergency will strike, and you owe it to yourself and your family to be prepared. Knowing that you can cover your expenses even during an emergency will give you peace of mind, not to mention help you with any unexpected expenses that come with it, such as hospital visits. Save money by:
- Treating your emergency fund as a bill you have to pay. Put a monthly budget in place that includes paying yourself first so you have a constant reminder that an emergency fund is a priority.
- Choosing savings with low fees and better returns. Money market accounts and certificates can help your money grow while you keep saving.
- Redirecting funds, if you paid off a loan or credit card, to a savings account specifically earmarked for emergencies.
Building strong financial habits doesn’t have to happen all at once. Maybe this is the year you grow your savings, simplify what you owe with debt consolidation, or finally take the first step toward a long-term goal. No matter where you start, consistent habits will help you stay on track.
To explore more ways to manage your money in 2026, check out our resource center.
