It’s hard to believe another year has flown by! As we look back on 2025, it’s only natural to also think ahead. While many people set goals around eating better or exercising more, your financial health deserves attention too. Like physical health, how to achieve financial health is unique to each person. So, whether you’re building an emergency fund, paying down debt, or just looking to feel more in control of your spending, we’ve got five things to think about as you set your money goals in the new year.
Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- Set financial goals you can reach
- Create a budget
- Manage your debt
- Spend less, save more
- Automate your savings
- Starting fresh in 2026
Key takeaways:
- Start with goals that fit your life. Get started with small steps. It can lead to long-term confidence.
- Build habits that support your progress. Use tools like budgets, expense tracking, and automated savings to stay in control without feeling restricted.
- Celebrate every step forward. Progress adds up—so acknowledge your wins and adjust your plan as life changes. You’ve got this.
1. Set financial goals you can reach
Your goals are personal—and they should be. Maybe this is the year you build up savings, pay off a credit card, or finally go on a trip. Whatever you’re working toward, having a clear picture of your goal can help you figure out how you’ll accomplish it. And remember, goals can shift. Adjust your plan as life changes.
Think beyond this year, too. Bigger goals, like buying a home or growing your savings over time—start with small steps today.
Here are some ideas for financial goals in your 20s, 30 to 40s, and 50s to 60s.
2. Create a budget
A good budget is a powerful tool for money management. It helps you understand what money comes in and where it goes. Start by listing all your income. Then collect your bills from the past few months and make a list of your recurring expenses like housing, phone bills, and subscriptions.
From these two lists, you’ll have a pretty good sense of how to plan your finances for the upcoming months. Plan reasonable limits on your spending (don’t spend more than you bring in), and don’t forget a little room for joy. A good budget balances your needs and wants so you feel in control rather than restricted.
Here are some ideas on budgeting rules, how to budget on a low income, and how to save money on a tight budget.
3. Manage your debt
The first step to managing debt is knowing where you stand. List out each debt: how much you owe on each card, loan, to friends or family, etc. Then write down payment due dates, interest rates, and minimum payments. Write it wherever works best for you: on paper, in an Excel table or Google doc, or into a debt management app.
Now that you have a clear picture of what you owe, you can make a plan to pay it off. As you make progress, celebrate it. Every payment gets you closer to peace of mind.
Here are some ideas on how to make a debt payment plan, how to pay off credit card debt, and how to use debt consolidation.
4. Spend less, save more
If you’ve got extra money left at the end of the month, you’re already doing something right. Even though it can be tempting to spend that extra money, those extra funds are what allow you to work toward your financial goals.
Finding money in your budget so that you can move toward your goal is a challenge. Try thinking about it as a game “What Can Be Cut”, or spring cleaning. You’ll feel good when you succeed! Here are some ideas on where you can start looking.
Cancel subscriptions
It’s easy to get pulled in by a first-month-free offer—and then forget to cancel the subscription later. But those monthly fees can add up quickly. If you’re not using a streaming service or mobile app often enough to justify its cost, try canceling it to save some money. You can always sign up again later if you change your mind.
The same holds true for gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and that Fruit of the Month Club. If you don’t use it, don’t pay for it.
Review your phone bill
Your phone bill should include your cellular charge and your data plan. But you may also be paying regular fees for insurance or access to early upgrades. By eliminating extra services on each line, you can reduce your phone bill every month.
Services and programs exist to help you lower your regular phone bill. Have a look at SpringFour to find options near you.
Keep a shopping list
Planning ahead helps you avoid impulse buys. If you find something you love, add it to your list for another day. That gives you time to mull it over and make sure you’ve got buget for it.
5. Automate your savings
Let technology do the work. Most savings apps require only a checking account and smart phone to get started. Since each one works a little differently, it’s worth exploring a few to see what fits your needs best. At Oportun, we’re partial to Set & Save because we built it to make saving feel effortless. It helps you save toward your goals automatically, setting aside small amounts you likely won’t even notice but that add up over time.
Learn more about how Set & Save helps make saving feel easier by removing mental roadblocks.
Starting fresh in 2026
A new year means a fresh start. Whatever financial goals you’re setting for 2026, the most important step is the first one. Take a moment to celebrate every win—big or small.
And have a happy New Year!
