A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus and set goals that move you closer to financial confidence. Whether you’re saving, paying down debt, or simply trying to stay on track, small intentional steps can make a big difference. And the start of the new year is the perfect time to set those goals for the year ahead.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union is here with tips to help set you up for a strong financial start in 2026! Think of this year as an opportunity to create habits that support your long-term financial well-being.

Set Clear, Achievable Financial Goals

Clear goals make the process easier — and more motivating. When you know exactly what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay focused and measure your progress. Specific goals give you direction and help turn good intentions into real results. Breaking larger goals into smaller milestones can make them feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Some examples of achievable goals include:

Building a $2,000 emergency fund
Saving $1,000 each month
Paying off one credit card

Be sure to track your goals along the way. Seeing your progress can keep you motivated and remind you how far you’ve come.

Create a Budget That Will Stick

A budget should work for you, not against you. One popular method is the 50/30/20 rule:

50% for needs
30% for wants
20% for savings

The best budget is one you can realistically maintain month after month. Flexibility is important, so don’t be afraid to adjust your budget as your needs change.

If this method doesn’t fit your lifestyle, try using budgeting tools like in our SCFCU online banking or mobile app — available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play — which allows you to create budgets, set spending goals and track your progress. The key is setting realistic expectations so you can stick with your plan long-term.

Do a Financial Assessment

Before moving forward, take a moment to look back. Review your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities from the past year. Understanding where your money went helps you make more confident decisions going forward. A yearly check-in can reveal habits you may not notice day to day.

Ask yourself:

Where can I save more?
What expenses can I cut back on?

This assessment helps identify spending patterns and uncover opportunities to make smarter financial choices in the year ahead.

Automate What You Can and Invest in Your Future

One of the easiest ways to save is to make it automatic. Setting up automatic transfers to your savings account helps you grow your funds without even thinking about it. Automation removes temptation and keeps your goals on track. Even small automatic contributions can add up significantly over time.

Now is also a great time to invest in your future. Planning for retirement and your future — no matter your age — can make a big difference over time. Our trusted Investment Services team is here to help you create a path to financial confidence — now and in the future.*

It’s never too early to start, and your future self will thank you.

Limited-Time Offer to Help You Start Strong

Looking for a little relief after the holidays? SCFCU is here to help!

Start the new year by giving your budget a break and starting the new year with a little extra breathing room. In January or February, your local credit union is offering you the chance to skip your monthly loan payments with Skip-A-Pay!

This option can help free up cash for savings or other financial priorities at the moment. It’s a simple way to ease financial stress while you refocus on your goals. And if you don’t want to wait for Skip-A-Pay, make sure to ask about our Purposeful Pause Skip Payment Program!

Start Small and Stay Consistent

You don’t have to do everything at once. Small steps add up over time, and consistency is more important than perfection. Even small changes can create lasting financial habits when repeated consistently. Focus on steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Remember: progress over perfection.

No matter what your goals are, big or small, SCFCU is here to help you achieve them. Let’s make 2026 your strongest financial year yet!

*This endorsement is provided by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union ("Promoter") in the exchange for compensation from Principal Securities, Inc. St. Cloud Financial Credit Union is not a current client of Principal Securities, Inc. and the receipt of compensation creates conflict of interest for Promoter. For additional disclosures, visit: https://scfcu.org/investment-services

Securities products are • Not FDIC or NCUA Insured • Not insured by any federal government agency • Subject to investment risk and possible loss of principal • No bank/credit union guarantee • Not required as a condition of receiving credit approval • Not deposits or obligations of the bank/credit union

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New Year, New Goals: Set Yourself Up for a Strong Financial Start in 2026