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Finish 2025 Strong: A Simple Financial Check-Up for a Confident 2026

12/30/2025

Checking finances

The year is almost over — the perfect time to pause and take a quick look at your money. Doing a little planning now can help you reduce stress, save more, and step into 2026 feeling confident and prepared. At ServU Credit Union, we’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide to help you review your finances, set smart goals, and make the new year your best financial year yet.

1. Check Your Savings

Take a look at your savings from this year. Knowing where you stand now will make it easier to reach your goals next year:

  • Emergency fund: Do you have enough saved for 3–6 months of expenses? Even a small boost each month can help.

  • Short-term goals: Did you save enough for gifts, travel, or holiday plans?

  • Long-term goals: Are you on track for retirement, home improvements, or bigger purchases?

Tip: Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings. Even $25 a week adds up without you even noticing. Also, check your account’s interest rates — a higher rate can make your money grow faster.

2. Take a Hard Look at Your Debt

Debt can feel overwhelming, but taking a little time now gives you a clear path for 2026.

  • High-interest debt first: Focus on credit cards or loans with the highest rates.

  • Refinance or combine loans: Could save you money on interest.

  • Small goals: Even paying off one debt next year makes a difference.

Tip: Track your debts in a spreadsheet or budgeting app. Seeing everything in one place reduces stress and gives you a roadmap for the new year.

3. Review Your Loans

Take a moment to check your car loans, mortgages, or personal loans:

  • Are your interest rates competitive?

  • Could adjusting your loan term save you money or help you pay it off faster?

  • Does your loan fit your 2026 goals?

Tip: ServU Credit Union can help review your loans and find ways to save. A small change now can make a big difference next year.

4. Look at Your Budget and Spending

Think about how you spent your money in 2025:

  • Are there subscriptions or services you no longer need?

  • Did you overspend in certain areas like dining out or entertainment?

  • Did your income change? Make sure your budget reflects reality.

Tip: Try an “every dollar counts” budget. Plan for bills, savings, and a little fun. Reviewing now helps you create a realistic plan for 2026.
 

5. Set Smart Financial Goals for 2026

Now that you know where you stand, set clear goals for 2026:

  • Increase your savings or emergency fund.
  • Pay off or reduce debt.
  • Improve your credit score.
  • Save for a big purchase, vacation, or milestone.

Tip: Make your goals SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Even small wins build momentum and confidence.

Extra Tips to Start 2026 Strong:

  • Review insurance policies to make sure you’re properly covered.
  • Organize tax documents now to make next year easier.
  • Maximize retirement contributions or employer matches.
  • Schedule quarterly check-ins with your budget and goals to stay on track.

Start 2026 Feeling Confident
A simple year-end financial check-up is one of the smartest ways to take control of your money. By reviewing your savings, debt, loans, and spending, you’ll step into 2026 feeling confident, organized, and ready to reach your financial goals.



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