Low Cost, High Return Money Resolutions

You’re one month into your 2026 resolutions and you’re crushing it! You’re showing up and bringing your goals to life because you know, small investments every day have a compounding effect. But now you may be wondering… “How do I sustain these resolutions without breaking the bank?” These financially savvy resolutions will help you manage your spending, increase your savings and help your family feel more confident when it comes to money.

1. Save More in 2026

• Build (or Finish) an Emergency Fund: Life will always throw you the unexpected, but when you’re prepared you can tackle anything life brings you. Whether it’s a rainy day fund for an upcoming trip, or an emergency fund for home repairs, health needs or more here’s how you can get the account up and running.
• Open A Savings Account for One Purpose: Keep this account with one intention – your emergency fund. Don’t add additional savings goals to this account so that you’re always clear on how much is in your emergency fund.
• Weekly Deposits: Set up automatic weekly deposits that will get your year-end savings to be about 3-6 months of your expenses. If that feels like too much, start with a lower amount and re-evaluate your weekly deposits again in 3 months. 
• Cancel or Downgrade Subscriptions: If you can cut $50-$100 month in unused subscriptions that’s cash-flow back to you without any real lifestyle loss. If you use the subscription (meditation or workout apps, gyms, nutrition plans, etc.) then keep it! But really evaluate the cost benefit before deciding. 
• Increase Retirement Contributions by 1%: Saving for retirement is a long-term strategy so increasing your contribution by just 1% this year will have future you saying thanks. Boost your 401(k) or IRA savings ever so slightly by adding an additional $50 to each transfer you make.

 2. Be More Intentional with Spending at Home

• Cook at Home One More Night Per Week: Things get hectic during the week, but cooking one additional meal at home a week can help you save up to $2,000 a year! One small weekly habit can help you be healthier and wealthier! That intentional shift can also show your kids you’re making smart lifestyle changes to save up for something special, like the family trip you’ve been planning.
• Plan Experiences Instead of Impulse Purchases: Making memories will not only give you a higher emotional return per dollar, but it requires some creativity that the whole family can participate in. Instead of dinner out, have a pizza making extravaganza! Instead of that new toy, come up with an imaginative DIY project that provides hours of entertainment. A fun, sunny getaway in the middle of winter will lift everyone’s spirits – so saying “no” in the moment can provide big returns down the line.
• Teach Kids One Financial Skill Per Month: A long-term family wealth mindset will show your kids how to have a healthy relationship with money and set them up for their own financial success in the future. Learning about the basics of budgeting, saving and investing doesn’t have to be a drag, it can be fun too! Read the Bull & Bear book series, bring the kids in the neighborhood together to open a lemonade stand, or use a piggy bank to start saving for that family trip that everyone can contribute to. 

3. Health is LITERALLY Wealth

• Improve Your Sleep: The cheapest health upgrade you can make this year is adding more zzz’s to your calendar. Create a consistent bedtime and set rules about using your phone at night. This FREE resolution will not only have you feeling better rested, but leads to better decisions and more productivity. 
• Walk 8–10k Steps a Day: You don’t need a fancy gym membership, app subscription or home gym to move more each day. Schedule short walks into your day to maximize your daily step count and create a sustainable, long-term health goal that costs you nothing.

Let’s face it, sticking with goals takes drive and determination, but you don’t have to struggle your way through. Stick with low cost and return strategies to help you finish out the year accomplishing all you set out to do while staying in budget!