Start the New Year Off Right

December 22, 2025

The new year is a great time for a little financial tune-up. Here are some simple things you can do to set yourself up financially for a healthy 2026. No big commitment to resolutions needed!

Check your statements. Look through your most recent banking and credit card statements. Are you paying for monthly subscriptions you don’t need anymore? Take a few minutes to cancel them. Be sure to investigate any charges you don’t recognize, no matter how small. Scammers sometimes charge insignificant amounts at first, assuming you won’t notice, then increase the amount. Visit our Fraud & Security Center for more examples of red flags.

Review your credit score. Your credit score plays a big role in your financial life. It helps lenders see how likely you are to pay back what you borrow. Understanding what goes into your score—and the typical ranges—can give you insight into your credit health and help you find ways to improve it.

Protect your identity. With scams becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial to stay on top of your accounts, credit, and identity. Consider enrolling in RCU’s Benefits Checking, which provides credit, dark web, and ID monitoring services as well as other essentials like roadside assistance, telehealth, cell phone protection, and more for just $7 a month.^*

Kickstart your savings! Take advantage of RCU’s great rates and the savings tools available to you in digital banking like Simple Save, Round Up & Save, or automatic savings. Use them to build your emergency fund or save for a vacation or big purchase. Even if your budget is stretched thin, you might be able to save a few dollars a week or month without noticing it. Try it and see! You can always adjust or cancel, but you’ll be surprised how quickly even small amounts add up. Learn more about RCU’s savings tools.

Review your retirement contributions. If you participate in a 401(k) through your employer, you may be able to increase your contribution at any time. If you have an IRA, you can make additional contributions up until April 15, 2026, and potentially deduct them on your 2025 taxes. Consult your tax advisor regarding tax implications. Not saving for retirement yet? Check out RCU’s retirement options.

Think about your goals for the year ahead (and beyond), then meet with one of our certified financial coaches. They’ll help you map out a plan for making your dreams become reality. They can also help you with creating a budget, figuring out how to pay down debt, and more. It’s free, and you can meet with a coach virtually or in one of our branches. Learn more and make an appointment today.

Remember: RCU is always here to support you on your journey to financial wellness! Contact us or visit our Financial Education Center to find more helpful resources on starting the new year right.

^*Benefits are available to personal checking accounts and the primary accountholder and joint accountholder(s) subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable benefits or as set forth in the Benefits Checking Terms of Service. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts, organizations and/or churches and their members, or schools and their employees/students. Minimum balance required to open a Benefits Checking Account is $25.00. Benefits may be accessed within RCU’s Digital Banking platform. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Certain restrictions may apply. Estimated values are based on approximate monthly costs or savings for similar marketplace benefits and are subject to change. Benefits and features may vary and may not necessarily reflect the exact features offered through Benefits Checking. No cash value is implied with the use of this account or any of its features. Federally Insured by NCUA.