Start 2026 Strong: 5 Simple Money Moves to Make Before January

As the year winds down, it’s a natural time to reflect, reset, and get ready for what’s next. But financial wellness doesn’t have to mean big resolutions or overwhelming goals. Small steps — the ones you can do in minutes — make the biggest impact on your long-term financial confidence.

1. Review Your Spending — and Choose One Focus for the New Year

You don’t need a complete budget overhaul.
Just look back at your last few months and ask:

  • What spending surprised me?
  • What would I like to spend less or more on next year?
  • Where do I want my money to go?

Then choose one area to focus on for 2026 — not five.
One change sticks. Five don’t.

Pro Tip: If you want an easy way to track and manage purchases, set up your Educational Community Alliance CU spending card controls in Online Banking with Card Campus. It takes minutes and gives you instant clarity.

2. Automate One Small Savings Habit

The easiest way to save more is to remove willpower completely.

  • Set up automatic transfers
  • Use payday savings
  • Start round-ups
  • Build a small emergency fund

Even $5–$20 a paycheck will add up quickly — and by this time next year, you’ll feel the difference.

3. Do a Quick Year-End Credit Checkup

Your credit is one of your most important financial tools — and December is the perfect time to check for:

  • Errors or inaccurate accounts
  • High credit utilization
  • Old accounts you forgot about
  • Signs of fraud

You can request your free annual credit reports and use them to set credit goals for 2026.

4. Clean Up Subscriptions & Hidden Money Drains

You’d be surprised how much money slips away every month in forgotten or unused services.

Take 10 minutes to review your:

  • Streaming subscriptions
  • App store charges
  • Delivery memberships
  • Software renewals
  • Gym/fitness fees

Cancel the ones you don’t use anymore. Your January budget will thank you.

5. Make a Plan for Holiday Balances (No Shame Required)

If you spent a little more than planned this season, you’re not alone.
Here’s how to take control right now:

  • List your balances
  • Choose a payoff method (snowball or avalanche)
  • Automate the payment
  • Stop worrying about it

A simple plan reduces stress and keeps you from carrying holiday debt into spring.

Small Steps Today = Big Confidence in 2026

A few small steps are all it takes to start 2026 feeling organized and confident. If you want help reviewing your accounts, building credit, or planning for the year ahead, Educational Community Alliance CU is here for you.

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.