Every new year brings a chance to start fresh, especially when it comes to your finances. But many people make money resolutions they can’t maintain. 

The key is to set goals that are realistic and measurable. Whether you want to build savings, pay off debt, or boost your credit score, the right financial resolutions can make a lasting difference. Here are six money resolutions that actually stick in 2026.

How To Stick to Financial Resolutions

Experts at Purdue recommend creating a clear plan and focusing on habits you can maintain. 

Their research highlights six ways to make resolutions successful[1]:

1. Keep your goals simple and realistic.

2. Be specific about what you want to achieve.

3. Write your goals down and review them often.

4. Share your goals with someone for accountability.

5. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.

6. Instead of giving up after a setback, just restart and keep going.

Following these steps can help make a big difference. When you focus on progress instead of perfection, your financial resolutions are more likely to last all year.

Financial Resolutions You Can Adhere To

You can make 2026 the year your money goals stick. Here are six realistic financial resolutions and helpful tips on how to achieve them.

1. I Will Review My Monthly Bank and Credit Card Statements

This resolution builds awareness. Checking your bank and credit card statements each month helps you understand where your money goes. It can also help you spot errors, fraudulent charges, or subscriptions you no longer use.

When you know how you spend, you can better plan how to save. Reviewing your accounts also helps you see patterns like impulse buys or rising monthly costs that you can adjust. 

Try setting aside 15 minutes at the end of each month to go through your statements. If you need a place to manage your savings, explore digital banking options. Keeping your accounts in one trusted place can make financial review easier and more organized.

You might also like: How To Give Yourself a Financial Checkup 

2. I Will Improve My Credit Score

Your credit score influences everything from loan rates to housing opportunities. Improving it is one of the smartest money resolutions you can make this year. 

Start by checking your free credit report from each major bureau once a year. Then, pay all bills on time, keep balances low, and avoid opening too many new accounts at once.

You can also set alerts to help you stay on top of payment due dates. Reducing debt and keeping credit utilization below 30% can make a big impact. 

Over time, consistent habits can help raise your score. and your confidence in your financial future. If you’re planning to borrow or invest soon, our loan balance calculator can help you see how changes in your credit might affect your payments.

You might also like: First-Time Homebuyer Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Homebuying 

3. I Will Pay Off [X Amount] in Debt

Debt payoff goals work best when you make them measurable. Setting a goal like “I’ll pay off $1,000 by summer” gives you a clear target and a timeline. This approach follows the SMART method. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They are easier to track and adjust along the way.

Start by listing your debts and interest rates. Pay extra toward the highest-interest account while making minimum payments on the rest. Once that’s paid off, move to the next. This “avalanche” method can save you money over time.

When you finally reach your goal, celebrate. But keep the momentum. Redirect what you were paying toward savings or investments. To determine if you may need to consolidate debt, try our debt consolidation calculator.

You might also like: Should I Pay Off Debt or Save First? | Centier Bank 

4. I Will Fund a Savings Account for [Insert Goal]

A dedicated savings account helps you stay focused on your goals. Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, vacation, or retirement, giving each goal its own account keeps you organized. It also helps you avoid dipping into funds meant for something else.

Here are a few types of savings accounts to consider:

• Emergency fund for unexpected expenses like car repairs.

• Vacation fund to avoid relying on credit cards.

• Holiday fund to save for increased annual spending.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) for medical costs if eligible.

• Nest egg or retirement fund to secure your long-term future.

Consider opening a high-interest savings account to make your money work harder. For long-term goals, look into CDs and IRAs that offer competitive interest rates. All accounts opened at Center Bank are FDIC-insured up to at least $250,000, per depositor, per ownership category.

You might also like: Should I Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement? 

5. I Will Organize and Simplify My Finances

One of the most overlooked money resolutions is streamlining your financial life. Managing too many accounts, cards, or bills can cause unnecessary stress and missed payments. This year, focus on clarity and control.

Start by reviewing where your money lives. Close old accounts you no longer use, consolidate debt where it makes sense, and set up automatic payments for recurring bills. You might even create a single dashboard—using your bank’s digital tools or a budgeting app—to track balances, savings, and spending in one place.

A simpler setup helps you see your full financial picture. It also makes it easier to plan for bigger goals like saving for a down payment or investing for retirement. Centier’s savings products and wealth management services can help you align your accounts with your priorities and keep your 2026 resolutions on track.

You might also like: 7 Easy Ways To Spring Clean Your Bank Accounts 

6. I Will Create New Opportunities for Financial Growth

You can grow your money in more ways than one. This year, look for new chances to earn or save. Try a side job, sell things you no longer need, or turn a hobby into extra income. You could also learn a new skill that helps you earn more at work. 

Many community programs offer free or low-cost classes. Small steps like these can add up fast. The goal is to build options for your future. When you create new ways to earn and learn, you give yourself more freedom and a stronger path toward financial success.

For help choosing the right path, explore wealth management services. You can get personalized direction based on your timeline, goals, and risk tolerance.

You might also like: 10 Steps to Start Your Business 

Ring in the New Year With Support From Centier

Money resolutions don’t have to fade by February. The ones that work are simple, realistic, and consistent. Whether you’re improving your credit, paying off debt, or saving for the future, progress adds up over time. Start small, automate where possible, and celebrate your wins. By this time next year, you could be in a stronger financial position than ever!

To find the perfect account to help you meet your 2026 money resolutions, explore Centier Bank’s savings products page. 

Source: 

[1] https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/lawrence/2021/01/New-Year-Resolution-Success.html