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Velocity CU New Year’s Financial Checklist for 2026

Banking Tips

Velocity CU New Year’s Financial Checklist for 2026

Because life is expensive.

From rising bills to unexpected costs, it often feels like our money has more places to go than it has room to grow. But with a little strategy—and the right habits—you can take control of your financial future instead of letting it control you.

To help you get there, we’ve put together 10 practical tips designed to make managing your money easier, help you make smarter financial moves, and give you more confidence in every dollar you spend or save.

1. Review and Refresh Your Budget

Log into Velocity’s online banking tools to track where your money went last year — income, spending, and saving.

  • Use those insights to build a realistic monthly budget for 2026.
  • Set financial goals — like paying off debt, building emergency savings, or investing.

2. Optimize Your Checking Account

  • Consider switching to Velocity Rewards Checking to take advantage of 20+ benefits.
    • Earn more with your debit card.
    • Get paid up to two days early when you use direct deposit.
    • Round-up your purchases automatically to build savings.
  • If you’re not ready for the rewards account, you can stick with Free Checking and still enjoy getting paid two days early and no hidden fees.

3. Reassess Your Debt Strategy

  • If you have a mortgage, review your home loan options. Rates are coming down and refinancing could lower your rate, shorten your term, or free up cash via a cash-out refinance.
  • Explore home equity if you’ve built up equity — that could fund big goals like home improvements.
  • Stay on top of credit card or other personal debt — set up a firm repayment plan aligned with your budget.

4. Build or Boost Your Savings

  • Automate your savings: set up recurring transfers from checking to savings so you “pay yourself first.”
  • Think about short-term and long-term goals (holiday fund, travel, emergency fund, etc.) — then assign amounts and timelines.
  • Use Velocity’s digital tools (budgeting, spending trackers) to monitor your progress.

5. Create Your Own Cash-Flow Cushion

  • Instead of relying on installment plans or pay-later options, build a personal “Cash-Flow Buffer” in your checking or savings account
  • Set aside a small, consistent weekly or bi-weekly amount so you always have funds ready for planned or surprise expenses.
  • Use Velocity’s automatic transfers to grow this buffer effortlessly over time. This gives you the same flexibility as splitting purchases—without adding future payments to your budget.

6. Strengthen Your Digital Banking Habits

  • Take advantage of mobile banking for bill pay, transfers, and check deposits.
  • Enroll in eStatements — you’ll reduce paper clutter and have easy access to past statements.
  • Use the built-in financial tools to connect external accounts, build a budget, or monitor your credit score in real time.

7. Protect Your Finances

  • Review security features: set up real-time alerts for your debit card to monitor transactions.
  • Stay informed about the latest fraud and scam tactics. Velocity has guidance on how to protect yourself.
  • Make sure you’re maximizing benefits available through your account (e.g., ID-theft protection, cell-phone insurance).

8. Plan for Big Goals in 2026

  • Do you plan to buy a house, renovate, or refinance? Use Velocity’s home loan calculators and talk to our mortgage loan team.
  • If you’re saving for a big purchase (car, vacation, etc.), set up a goal-builder in online banking to track your progress.
  • Revisit your long-term financial roadmap: debt payoff timeline, retirement contributions, major life milestones.

9. Schedule a Member Financial Review

  • Set up a meeting (virtually or in person) with a Velocity credit union advisor to review your financial status.
  • Ask about:
    • Lower-rate refinancing
    • Consolidating debt
    • Optimizing your checking and savings mix
    • Complimentary Financial Check-Up through Velocity Retirement & Investment Services
  • Revisit your progress quarterly to adjust your goals as needed.

10. Commit to Ongoing Financial Health

  • Make 2026 the year you build momentum, not just set goals.
  • Use Velocity’s digital tools consistently — for tracking, alerts, and planning.
  • Celebrate milestones (big or small): debt paid off, savings goals met, better budgeting habits.

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