The start of a new year offers a natural pause—a moment to reflect on your finances and ask a few honest questions. What’s working? What feels stressful? What small changes could make life a little easier this year?

Many people head into January with ambitious financial resolutions: save more, spend less, pay off debt faster. But big goals can feel overwhelming, especially when everyday expenses and busy schedules take over. The good news? Lasting financial progress doesn’t require perfection or dramatic changes.

At Members First Credit Union, we believe small, consistent habits can lead to meaningful results over time. As you look ahead to 2026, here are a few realistic financial habits to start, stop, or strengthen—designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.

 

Start: Automating One Smart Money Move

One of the easiest ways to build momentum is to take decision-making out of the equation.

Try this: Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to savings—even if it’s just $10 or $25 per paycheck. Automating savings turns “I’ll do it later” into “it’s already done.”

If you’re working toward a specific goal, like an emergency fund or a short-term purchase, consider keeping those funds separate from your everyday spending. Members First offers a variety of savings options to help you organize your goals in a way that works for you.
👉 Explore personal savings options: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Bank/Savings/Personal-Savings

Small deposits add up over time—and consistency matters more than the dollar amount.

Stop: Treating Your Budget Like a One-Time Task

Budgets often get a bad reputation because they’re treated as rigid rules instead of living tools.

Try this instead: Think of your budget as something you revisit—not something you “set and forget.” A quick monthly check-in can help you adjust for rising costs, seasonal spending, or new priorities.

If you’re not sure where to start, Members First offers simple budgeting tools and guidance designed to be judgment-free and flexible.
👉 Budgeting resources: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Learn/Budgeting
👉 Financial calculators: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Calculators/

A budget that adapts with you is far more sustainable than one that feels restrictive.

Strengthen: Your Emergency Fund (Little by Little)

Life happens—car repairs, medical bills, home maintenance. An emergency fund can help soften the impact when the unexpected shows up.

Try this: Aim for progress, not perfection. If saving three to six months of expenses feels daunting, start with a smaller milestone, like $500 or $1,000.

Some members choose to keep emergency savings in a separate account or even a certificate, depending on how accessible they want the funds to be.
👉 Learn about certificates: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Bank/Savings/Certificates

Building this cushion—even slowly—can provide peace of mind and reduce reliance on credit in stressful moments.

Start: Checking In on Debt (Without Judgment)

Debt is common—and it doesn’t define your financial worth. But having a plan can make it feel more manageable.

Try this: Take inventory of what you owe and focus on one improvement at a time. That might mean paying a little extra toward a high-interest balance or simply staying current consistently.

Members First offers educational resources to help members better understand borrowing and repayment strategies.
👉 Financial education through Move Forward Academy: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Learn/Move-Forward-Academy

Progress often comes from clarity, not pressure.

Stop: Ignoring Your Financial Tools

Many people don’t realize how many helpful tools are already available through their credit union.

Try this: Make it a habit to explore one new feature—online calculators, financial education articles, or account alerts—during the year. These tools are designed to support your everyday decisions, not just major milestones.

If you’re navigating home projects or larger expenses, it may also help to understand options like home equity products when appropriate.
👉 Home equity resources: https://www.membersfirstnh.org/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Equity

Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence builds better habits.

Resolutions for Different Life Stages

Your financial priorities evolve—and that’s normal.

• Early career or growing families: Focus on budgeting basics, emergency savings, and automation.
• Mid-career: Strengthen savings, reassess debt, and plan for upcoming expenses.
• Later stages: Prioritize protection, long-term planning, and financial flexibility.

There’s no single “right” resolution—only what’s right for your life right now.

A Fresh Start, One Step at a Time

As 2026 approaches, consider choosing just one or two financial habits to focus on. Small, repeatable actions are far more powerful than big promises that fade by February.

Members First Credit Union is here to support your financial wellness year-round—with tools, education, and guidance rooted in care and community. Wherever you’re starting, you don’t have to do it alone.