Struggling with a "financial hangover" after the holidays? You're not alone. January can feel daunting, but sheer willpower may not be the answer. The secret to achieving your 2026 financial goals is automation. By automating savings, you can build wealth effortlessly.

Why Automation Works

One barrier to consistent saving is creating a routine and deciding how much to save each month. Automation simplifies this by removing hesitation and ensuring progress without extra effort. By automating your savings, your money will be moved into a savings account seamlessly no matter how busy life gets (and before you can spend it).

Start Automating Today

Follow these simple steps to kickstart your financial growth:

  1. Pick a Savings Goal: Consider how much you’d like to save for future investments such as a down payment on a new home, a child’s education, retirement, or even next year’s holiday expenses. Set an annual savings goal then break it down per pay period. Don't have a lot of excess cash after bills? Don't let this deter you - start small and build as you’re able. Even a small amount consistently can go a long way.
  2. Set It Up: Choose the best method to automate deposits into your savings account:

    - Contact your employer to request your paycheck be split between your checking and your savings accounts.

    - Utilize online banking to automate recurring transfers from your checking account to your savings account. For internal to internal accounts, use these simple steps in online banking: Select “Make a transfer”, then complete the information and select “More options” to set recurring transfers. For internal to external accounts, you can utilize the “Bill Pay” feature in online banking.
  3. Check Your Progress: Throughout the year, check your progress and celebrate your successes. If you need to dip into your savings for an unexpected expense, don’t let that derail you. Just continue on course – slow and steady wins the race!

By putting your savings on autopilot, you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free and financially secure 2026. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your savings grow. Your future self will thank you!