on January 6, 2026
With the beginning of the new year, many people are thinking about a fresh start—and that can apply to finances. Starting out the year on the right foot can set you up for success for months to come. If you’re hoping to save more money this year, pay down debt, or amplify your investments, even small, everyday changes can make a big impact over time. Here are five easy ideas you can start implementing this week (or even today!).
Switch Your Auto Insurance
An easy way to save money with a single action is to switch up your car insurance. Auto insurance companies often offer incentives for new customers, and it’s a good idea to do a little research to comb through their offerings. But when you find the best deal, don’t jump at it right away. Instead, talk to your current insurance company to see if they can beat or match the offer. Oftentimes, they can.
Wrangle Credit Card Debt
Not all debt is harmful (e.g., a home mortgage with a low interest rate), but credit card debt is especially insidious. That’s because credit card companies charge a steep interest rate—averaging about 24% nationwide—and that means debt can quickly skyrocket. To get burgeoning debt under control, it’s essential to develop a plan and stick to it. You might transfer your credit card balance to a low interest card (and then start paying it off). Or you could determine a monthly payment amount to eventually erase the debt. Or you could even take out a low-interest loan to pay off the credit card debt in one go.
Consider talking to a financial planner for advice. And once your debt is paid off, do your best to pay off the full balance each month.
Make Savings Automatic
It’s easier than ever to set up an automatic transfer to your savings account. Consider allocating a certain amount from each paycheck to savings. That way, you won’t even miss the money. Even if you are only able to set aside $50 each month for emergency savings, consistency is key, and your account will steadily grow (and, most importantly, be there when you need it).
Make Investing Automatic
It is also possible to set up automatic purchases for your investment accounts. If, for example, your financial advisor has suggested you regularly contribute to a certain index fund, you could set up a monthly purchase order to do so. This streamlines the process and makes continual investing effortless.
Reexamine Your Spending
It’s a good idea to regularly review your spending habits, and what better time than the start of a new year? Take a look at your credit card (or debit card) reports to get a better handle on your spending habits. Most credit cards classify purchases into categories, so you should be able to view a chart that shows you how much you spent on dining out, clothing, groceries, utilities, and more. After reviewing your reports, you can determine where you can make some cuts. Could you cook at home more often, rather than going out or ordering through DoorDash? Could you reduce your clothing purchases, or order through a website specializing in second-hand deals, such as ThredUp or Poshmark? In sum: Start by understanding where your money goes each money and go from there.
A new year, a fresh financial start. Even a few simple changes can make a big difference, especially when you stick with them for the long haul.