The start of each year is a time for excitement and new beginnings. It’s also a great opportunity if you’re looking for a fresh financial start. There are simple budgeting habits you can use in 2026 to help you make smart money moves. With TCU’s Free Checking Account, you have an account that is built for easy accessibility and for all of today’s digital banking tools. A no-fee TCU Free Checking¹ account lets you budget better throughout the year.
What Money Moves Should I Make in January?
January is a financially strategic time of year because it is associated with renewed optimism and a clean slate of opportunities ahead. Starting your financial planning this month gives you an entire year to reach your goals. Also, the annual tax season kicks off in January, making it the best time to review all your financial documents to help you prepare, according to Forbes.com.
Here are five smart money moves you can make in 2026 to improve your financial wellness.
1.Build a Budget
Creating a budget can be intimidating but it’s not as difficult as you think. By listing all your income and expenses for a month, you can quickly build a financial snapshot of where your money is flowing and the changes needed to improve your financial health. Once you have everything listed, identify what expenses are essential needs and prioritize them. You can create “budgeting buckets” that let you distribute your income into various categories, such as bills, rent, savings and emergency funds.
A budget also shows you how much money goes to discretionary spending, such as online subscriptions, coffee, tea, dining and entertainment. These are the first areas you can cut back on to save more.
2. Open a TCU Free Checking Account
Opening a checking account with Travis Credit Union unlocks benefits that are focused on your financial wellness. With a TCU Free Checking Account¹, there are no monthly maintenance fees nor minimum balance requirements and you receive overdraft protection. With a TCU Free Checking¹ Account and free direct deposit, you can receive your payday up to two days early² so you can get a jump on paying bills, saving money, buying groceries and more.
Your TCU checking account comes with a debit card for purchases and ATM cash withdrawals, as well as access to TCU’s top-rated mobile app. Access your account any time using the app or a computer. Plus, you can make person-to-person payments with your TCU checking account using Zelle®³, which makes splitting restaurant tabs or sending money as easy as using your phone.
3. Reduce Fees and Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Paying for things you no longer use or need, such as neglected app subscriptions, drains your cash. For example, a no-fee checking account means you won’t have to worry about monthly fees or balance requirements to keep your account in good standing. It’s one of the ways you can avoid banking fees in 2026.
By reducing fees and unnecessary spending, you can improve your finances. Redirect that money toward savings or debt repayment. You could also set up an emergency fund to help reduce financial and emotional stress if something unexpected occurs.
4. Leverage Digital Tools and Checking Account Features
A TCU checking account unlocks an array of digital tools to help you track and control your money. You can use the TCU mobile app or a computer to view your account information any time. You can set up alerts to be notified whenever your debit or TCU credit card is used, when their balance reaches a set limit and more.
You can also use TCU digital banking to pay bills and send secure messages to the credit union. You can deposit paper checks using TCU Mobile Deposit, so you’ll save yourself a trip to a branch. As mentioned earlier, you also can make person-to-person payments using Zelle®³.
TCU’s digital banking also provides you with spending analysis and forecast tools based on your financial tendencies. Use them to determine if your spending habits fit with your 2026 goals. From digital banking, you can also access Knowledge Base, a free financial education platform that offers courses on various money-related topics which can help you control your spending, save more and be savvier about your finances.
5. Build Savings and Pay Down Debt
Sticking to a budget is one of the best ways to save more, pay down debt and improve cash flow. With a budget, you’ll know how much money to set aside for savings, how much of your income is available to pay down debt and how much discretionary spending you can cut down to improve your finances.
You can save automatically by using direct deposit to send a portion of your paycheck directly to a dedicated savings account or emergency fund. According to Bankrate.com, 8 in 10 Americans haven’t increased their emergency savings since the start of 2025.
When paying down your debt, focus on lowering balances with the highest interest rates first – this can save you the most on interest. Once those are paid off, continue to use your payments to pay off other debts until all your loans are cleared.
How TCU Can Help
Travis Credit Union has the tools and resources to help you accomplish your 2026 financial goals. A TCU Free Checking Account¹ is the smartest way to manage your money and gives you access to various digital banking tools. With no monthly fees and up to two days early pay² with direct deposit, a TCU Free Checking¹ Account can help you stay on budget throughout the year.
Because TCU is focused on your financial wellness, you’ll also have access to financial education through Knowledge Base, a free financial education platform. Learn more about what TCU can do to help improve your finances at Traviscu.org.
- No monthly maintenance fees apply to the free checking account. Fees such as overdraft, ATM, stop payment and others may still apply. See the fee schedule for all potential fees.
- Early posting is not guaranteed and is dependent upon individual’s payroll. Subject to receipt from originator and other terms and conditions.
- Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, and are used herein under license. Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. Must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle. In order to send payment requests or split payment requests to a U.S. mobile number, the mobile number must already be enrolled with Zelle. Data charges may apply. Check with your mobile phone carrier for details.