Do This, Not That: A Realistic Guide to Financial Calm in 2026
According to a recent WalletHub survey¹, nearly three in four people say their financial situation affects their mental well-being, and 69% of Americans feel insecure about their finances. It’s no wonder so many of us are exhausted by traditional “new year, new budget” advice.
Financial wellness doesn’t require strict spreadsheets or perfection. It’s about taking small, practical steps that help you feel more in control.
Do This: Review your spending patterns
Not That: Start with a strict budget
Before you try to “fix” anything, take a week to observe how you actually spend. Look at your bank/credit union statements and credit card bills to spot patterns. Are subscriptions you no longer use still draining your account? Are grocery runs adding up faster than you realized?
When you understand where your money is really going, you can make small, realistic adjustments. Swapping name brands for generics or rotating streaming services seasonally may not feel dramatic, but it works. Real progress beats rigid plans every time.
Do This: Automate what you can
Not That: Rely on willpower to save
If you’ve ever meant to transfer money into savings but forgot (again), automation can save you from yourself. Set up automatic transfers to savings on payday, direct deposit a portion of your paycheck into savings, or use autopay to avoid late fees.
Automation works because it removes temptation and decision fatigue, two major barriers to consistent saving. Even small automatic transfers add up over time. Think of it as paying your future self first.
Do This: Build an emergency cushion
Not That: Wait until you can save “enough”
A full emergency fund of three to six months of expenses sounds great on paper and can feel impossible in real life. Start smaller. Even $20 a week builds momentum. Keep this money in an easy-access account, separate from daily spending, so it doesn’t disappear.
That cushion protects you from unexpected expenses like car repairs, surprise bills, or a missed paycheck and gives you confidence that you can handle what comes your way.
Do This: Plan for joy, not just bills
Not That: Treat fun as “extra” or unnecessary
Your financial plan shouldn’t be about survival alone. Planning ahead for things that bring you joy, like a family outing, a weekend getaway, or a nice meal out, makes your plan sustainable.
When joy is built in, you’re less likely to fall into guilt spending or burnout later.
Do This: Check your credit and debt picture
Not That: Avoid it because it feels stressful
It’s tempting to look away from debt, but facing it head-on is the first real step toward taking control. You can pull your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, or access your credit score and full credit report anytime through SavvyMoney in online and mobile banking.
Review your balances, interest rates, and due dates so you know exactly what you’re working with. Then choose a payoff strategy that fits your personality. Knock out the smallest balance first using the snowball method to build momentum, or focus on the highest-interest debt with the avalanche method to save money over time. Either way, progress beats avoidance every time.
Do This: Seek trusted support
Not That: Navigate your finances alone
You don’t have to have every answer to feel financially confident. We offer tools, workshops, and programs designed to help you move forward.
If debt feels overwhelming, GreenPath offers free financial counseling and a proven debt management program that can help lower interest rates, reduce payments, and ease stress as you head into the new year.
This post is based on information provided by our Financial Wellness partner, GreenPath.
1: https://wallethub.com/blog/financial-insecurity-survey/139480