Simple Financial New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
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As we roll into 2026, many of us feel that natural pull to reset, refocus and make positive changes, especially when it comes to money. The truth is that good financial habits don’t depend on a calendar. Whether you are inspired by January’s fresh start or simply ready for a change, simple financial New Year’s resolutions can help you make real progress.
Here are a few practical, achievable goals you can start today and stick with long after the new year’s excitement fades.
1. Strengthen your everyday foundation: the checking account
Your checking account is the hub of your daily financial life. If it’s overloaded with worries like fraud or identity theft risks, it’s harder to feel confident. That’s why one great resolution is to make your checking account work smarter for you.
At Members 1st, our 1st Defense™ checking1 account is built with that in mind. You get things like identity theft and credit tools, cell phone protection2, roadside assistance2, $hopping Rewards™* and health discount savings3*—all for a low monthly cost.
Imagine setting a goal this year: “I will use and review the security features of my checking account once a month.” That simple check-in helps you stay ahead of fraud, gives your money more protection and keeps you in control of your financial well-being.
Tip: At the start of the year, log in and activate any offered features (for example, dark web and credit file monitoring). Then schedule a recurring calendar reminder for every month to review your account activity and benefits.
2. Start (or grow) your emergency fund
Unexpected expenses will always happen and being unprepared can throw your whole year off track. A resolution like “I’ll add $25–$50 per pay period into a dedicated savings fund” makes a real difference.
Once you’ve automated that savings habit, you can go to the next level. If you’re not sure where to start, our savings accounts make it easy to designate different buckets for emergency, travel and long- or short-term needs.
3. Lock in your savings rates
When interest rates are unpredictable, locking in a good rate feels like a real win. That’s where our Certificate options come into play. Current rates show strong returns, allowing your money to earn more interest across various term lengths, depending on your balance.
Here’s how to turn that into a resolution: “By March, I will transfer [#] percent of my savings into a certificate with a fixed rate for at least one year.” This secures your rate, helps you commit to a portion of your savings staying untouched, and becomes a “set and forget” piece of your larger plan.
4. Automate and monitor your habits
Money resolutions are easier to stick to when you have good systems in place:
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Set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings.
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Turn on transaction and activity alerts through our digital banking tools so you always know what’s going on with your account.
By combining secure accounts with automated savings, you’re layering protection, growth and consistency.
5. Review, revise and reward yourself
Instead of “check every day,” aim for a realistic practice: “On the last Sunday of each month, I’ll log into my checking and savings and do a goals check-in.”
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For checking: Did any alerts come through? Did I register for benefits like roadside assistance?
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For savings/certificates: Has my transfer gone through? Did I review what the certificate is earning?
Give yourself a small, budget-friendly reward that reinforces the habit. Maybe it’s a favorite coffee or a fun snack, make it something that ties the habit to a positive feeling.
Let’s Break It Down: Your Simple Roadmap
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Month 1: Switch or upgrade to the 1st Defense™ checking account and activate features where required.
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Month 2: Set up an automatic transfer from your checking into your savings each pay period.
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Month 3: Choose a certificate term (1 year, 2 year, etc.) and open it while current rates are desirable.
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Ongoing: On the last Sunday of each month, review checking benefits and savings status, adjust if needed and appreciate your progress.
Build Stronger Financial Habits Today
Bottom line: Good financial resolutions don’t have to be complicated. By focusing on just a few meaningful, actionable steps, you can set yourself up not just for promises, but for results. Here’s to a year where your money feels safer, your savings grow and you actually keep your resolutions.
Federally insured by NCUA.
*Registration/activation required.
1Eligibility: Benefits are available to personal checking account owner(s) and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts and/or organizations.
2Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the certificate of insurance. Guide to Benefit and insurance documents can be found online through your Members 1st Online Banking or Mobile App.
3This is not insurance.
