Do This, Not That: Financial Wellness Tips to Plan Your 2026 Money Goals

Financial wellness in 2026 does not have to mean strict spreadsheets or complicated systems. According to a recent WalletHub survey, nearly 3 in 4 people say their financial situation impacts their mental well-being, and 69% of Americans feel insecure about their finances. No wonder so many of us are tired of traditional “new year, new budget” advice.  

Real financial wellness is about building better money habits – small, sustainable steps that help you feel more in control in the year ahead. Check out these “do this, not that” suggestions to do just that. 

Do This: Review Your Spending Patterns 

Not That: Start With a Strict Budget 

Before building a financial plan, take one week to observe how you truly spend. Review your checking account, credit card statements, and digital wallet history to spot trends. Are unused subscriptions draining your account? Are grocery trips higher than expected? 

Understanding your spending habits is the first and most important part of financial planning. Once you see where your money really goes, you can make small, realistic adjustments like choosing generic brands, limiting impulse purchases, or rotating streaming services seasonally. This kind of progress beats rigid budgeting every time. 

Do This: Automate What You Can 

Not That: Rely on Willpower to Save 

If you have ever planned to transfer money to savings and forgot, automation can help remove decision fatigue, which is a major barrier to financial wellness. 

Try: 

• Automatic transfers to savings on payday 
• Direct deposit into a high-yield savings account 
• Autopay for bills to avoid late fees 

Even small, automated contributions toward savings build momentum and could help improve your long-term financial health. 

Do This: Build an Emergency Cushion 

Not That: Wait Until You Can Save "Enough” 

A full emergency fund (roughly three to six months of expenses) may feel out of reach, especially when money is tight. Instead, start small. Even $20 a week can help build financial confidence. 

Keep your emergency savings separate from regular spending, ideally in an easy-access savings account so it’s available when you need it most. The small cushion helps protect you from unexpected costs such as car repairs, medical bills, or even a missed paycheck. 

Do This: Plan for Joy, Not Just Bills 

Not That: Treat Fund as “Extra” or “Unnecessary” 

A sustainable financial plan includes room for joy. Budgeting things that matter to you – family outings, weekend getaways, entertainment or hobbies – can help prevent burnout and guilt spending later. 

Financial wellness means balancing responsibility with happiness. Planning ahead makes that easier. 

Do This: Check Your Credit and Debt Picture 

Not That: Avoid It Because It Feels Stressful 

Facing debt is often hard, but it is a powerful way to regain control. Pull your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and review: 

• All balances 
• Interest rates 
• Minimum payments 
• Due dates 

Then, consider a repayment strategy: 

• Debt Snowball: Pay off the smallest balance first to build motivation 
• Debt Avalanche: Pay off the highest-interest debt first to save the most money 

Both methods work, so pick the one that keeps you consistent. 

Do This: Seek Trusted Support 

Not That: Navigate Your Finances Alone 

You do not have to figure everything out on your own to feel financially confident. 

Service Credit Union offers financial wellness tools, budgeting resources, workshops, and savings solutions designed to support your financial goals in 2026.   

If you are dealing with debt, GreenPath offers free financial counseling and a proven Debt Management Program designed to lower interest rates, reduce payments, and reduce your stress in the coming year.   

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