The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility—and sometimes a little financial stress after the holidays. If you’re feeling motivated to get your finances on track, January is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your money and set the tone for the year ahead.

The good news? You don’t need a complete financial overhaul to make meaningful progress. A few simple, intentional steps can help you feel more confident and in control. Here are five smart money moves you can make this January to start the year strong.

1. Review Last Year’s Spending—Without Judgment

Before you make changes, it helps to understand where your money has been going. Take a few minutes to review last year’s spending through your statements or online banking tools.

Look for patterns rather than mistakes. Are there categories that consistently cost more than you expected? Are there subscriptions you no longer use? This quick review can offer valuable insight and help you make informed decisions moving forward—without guilt.

2. Refresh Your Budget

January is a great time to reset your budget, especially after holiday expenses. Instead of starting from scratch, focus on making small adjustments.

Consider:

• Updating categories based on last year’s spending
• Accounting for seasonal expenses
• Setting realistic limits that still allow flexibility

A budget should support your life, not restrict it. Keeping it simple and adaptable makes it easier to stick with throughout the year.

3. Check Your Credit

Your credit plays a key role in your financial health, influencing everything from loan approvals to interest rates. January is an ideal time to check in and see where you stand.

Reviewing your credit report can help you:

• Spot errors or unfamiliar activity
• Understand your credit score
• Track improvements from the previous year

Knowing your credit status empowers you to make informed financial decisions all year long.

By law, you can get a free credit report each year from the three credit reporting agencies (CRAs). These agencies, also called bureaus, are:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the federal government to issue free, annual credit reports from the three CRAs. You may request your reports in three main ways:

• Visit AnnualCreditReport.com
• Call 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232)
• Fill out the Annual Credit Report request form and mail it to:
  • Annual Credit Report Request Service
    PO Box 105281
    Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

4. Boost Your Emergency Savings

An emergency fund provides peace of mind when the unexpected happens. If building one feels overwhelming, start small. Even a modest increase can make a difference over time.

Try setting aside a set amount each payday or rounding up purchases into savings. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Small, consistent contributions add up faster than you might think.

5. Automate What You Can

One of the easiest ways to stay on track financially is to automate routine tasks. Automation helps remove the stress of remembering due dates and ensures your priorities come first.

You might consider:

• Automatic transfers to savings
• Scheduled bill payments
• Automatic loan payments

These simple setups can save time, reduce stress, and help you stay consistent throughout the year.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

You don’t have to tackle all five money moves at once. Choosing just one or two to focus on this January can put you on a strong path for the year ahead.

If you’d like help reviewing your finances, exploring tools, or setting goals, FinancialEdge Credit Union is here to support you every step of the way. For more help, you can make an appointment with our Certified Financial Counselor, Brandie Clayton. Simply call (989) 892-6088 ext. 230 to get an appointment scheduled. Here’s to a confident and financially strong start to the new year!

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