Making (and Keeping) Financial Resolutions in the New Year

Simple Steps Towards Thriving Financially

The start of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh look at your financial goals. Whether you want to save more, spend less, or finally tackle that budget, making a financial resolution is a great way to set yourself up for success in 2026. At Verve, we’re here to help you turn those good intentions into lasting habits, with easy-to-follow advice and new resources just for our members.

Financial resolutions give you a clear direction and help you stay focused on what matters most. The key is to keep them simple, specific, and doable. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference over time.

Save a Small Amount Each Paycheck: Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to savings account, for any amount every time you get paid. No amount is too small—it depends on your situation and your goals. Here’s a breakdown of how much you could have saved by the end of a year if you stick with it. Assuming a biweekly pay cycle for 26 paychecks in a year:
- $20 per paycheck = $520 saved in one year
- $40 per paycheck = $1,040 saved in one year
- $100 per paycheck = $2,600 saved in one year!
Track Your Spending: Pick one month and write down everything you buy. Keep track easily using a note in your phone or a simple spreadsheet. This helps you get an idea of your habits, see what amounts of spending are realistic, and find areas where you can cut back.
Pay Down Debt: Choose one credit card or loan and aim to pay a little extra each month. Even an extra $20 can shorten your payoff time.
Review Your Budget: If you don’t have a budget, make a simple one. If you do, review it and adjust for any new expenses or income.
Start an Emergency Fund: For starters, aim to save up an amount equivalent to one month’s rent or mortgage payment for unexpected costs.

Making financial resolutions is one thing – but actually sticking to them is its own battle.

Keep yourself on track with these reminders:

Keep Things Realistic: When you need to cut down on expenses, it’s easy to fall into extremes and attempt to restrict yourself harshly from any spending that isn’t absolutely necessary. However, extremes are often unsustainable long-term. When making budgets or plans, give yourself realistic parameters that fit into your everyday life. Sure, spending hundreds of dollars per week on delivery food or going out for drinks might call for some cutting back. But that doesn’t mean you should never eat out or buy a single cocktail ever again. Keep some wiggle room for a bit of fun spending, stick to it, and give yourself some grace.
Set Reminders: Add recurring calendar alerts, bullet points on your to-do lists, or sticky notes to keep your goals top of mind.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you hit a milestone—like saving $100 or paying off an increment of debt—take a moment to celebrate.
Ask for Help: Reach out to Verve’s team for advice or support if things feel overwhelming, or you’re not sure where to start. We’re here for you!
Use Free Tools: Take advantage of financial education resources to boost your knowledge and confidence.

NEW! Explore Verve’s Financial Resource Center

We’re excited to announce that all Verve members now have free access to Verve’s Financial Resource Center, an easy-to-use online platform packed with financial education modules. Whether you want to learn about budgeting, debt management, saving for college, or even buying your first home, Verve’s Financial Resource Center has something for everyone, at no cost to you.

Here’s how to get started:

Visit our website at verveacu.com and click Financial Resource Center under the Financial IQ menu option at the top of the page.
Create a free account and choose a module that interests you—each lesson is designed to be quick, interactive, and practical.
Complete modules at your own pace and track your progress as you build financial skills for life.

At Verve, we believe smart money habits can lead to a happier, less stressful life.

Start small, stick with it, and use your resources (including Verve’s Financial Resource Center) to make lasting changes and thrive financially. If you have questions or need support, our friendly team is here to help every step of the way.

Here’s to a new year filled with financial confidence and success—cheers from the whole team at Verve!