New Year. Fresh Start. How to Save More Money 

A Fresh Start for Your Money

The New Year is the perfect moment to refresh your money habits. Even small changes can make a big impact over time. One of the best ways to build a habit that actually sticks is to set simple, clear goals that keep you motivated.

At Honor Credit Union, we are here to help you start strong. From setting goals, creating a budget, and building better money habits to offering tools that help you save without stress, we’ve got your back.

Set a Simple Money Goal

Your goal can be anything that makes life easier: building an emergency fund, saving for a car, planning a vacation, or getting ahead on holiday gifts.

Start by simply writing down your goal. Once you’ve done this it becomes real and easier to stick to. If you’re new to saving, start with one priority. As your momentum builds, you can work toward multiple goals. Even setting money aside for whatever comes next is a great place to begin.

Make a Quick Budget That Works for You

A budget is simply knowing how much money comes in and where it goes.

Try this quick method:

1. List all your monthly income.
2. Write down your required bills.
3. Add everyday spending: eating out, subscriptions, entertainment.
4. Choose two or three areas where you can cut back.

An easy win? Cancel a subscription you rarely use or trim one entertainment expense. Even one small cut can free up money for saving.

Use the 24-Hour Rule Before You Buy

Impulse purchases add up fast. A simple trick is the 24-hour rule: wait one full day before buying something you want but don’t need.

If you’re tempted to shop, try making a wish list on Pinterest instead of buying right away. Seeing your “wants” in one place helps you think about what really matters, what fits your budget, and what can wait. Slowing down is one of the easiest ways to save.

Try a Small, Easy Savings Challenge

A fun challenge keeps saving simple. Try one:

• Save one dollar a day (or choose an amount that works for you)
• Round up purchases with Honor’s Debit Card Round Up
• Have a no-spend weekend and enjoy low-cost fun at home

Remember: small wins really do add up.

Cut One Monthly Bill

Pick one bill and shrink it:

• Reduce a streaming service
• Pause a subscription
• Cut back on eating out or daily coffee runs

Saving even five to ten dollars a month makes a difference over time. Take a minute each month to scan your statements for anything you don’t use.

Automate Your Savings

Automatic savings means your money moves to savings without you thinking about it. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay consistent.

Honor offers several tools to make saving automatic, including scheduled transfers, Debit Card Round Up, and high-earning savings options like our Money Market accounts.

Use Free Tools to Track Your Progress

There’s no wrong way to track your habits.

Apps and Online Tools

• PocketGuard — A simple and automatic way to track your budget. It connects to your bank accounts, tracks spending and bills, and shows what you can safely spend.
• Goodbudget — A digital version of the classic envelope method. Great for dividing your spending into categories and sticking to limits.
• EveryDollar — Assign every dollar a purpose before you spend it. Perfect for building budgeting habits.

Honor’s digital banking makes it easy to see your spending and saving patterns in one place. You can also use SavvyMoney, our free tool that helps you track your credit score, set goals, and see your debt all in one spot.

Low-Tech Works Too

Prefer pen and paper? A notebook or printable budget sheet is a great way to track spending and stay accountable.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Saving becomes more fun when you celebrate your progress. At the end of a solid month, reward yourself with a small treat like a meal out or your favorite coffee. Moderation helps you stay on track and makes treats feel like celebrations rather than everyday habits.

Your Fresh Start Begins Today

Start today by taking just one step. You can adjust your habits along the way. Small changes turn into big progress over time.

Honor is here to help you every step of the journey. Paying off debt faster also helps you save more, and our team can help you explore options for lowering interest or consolidating payments.