Pure’s Senior Financial Advisor, Matt Balderson, CFP®, AIF®, shares realistic financial habits that inspire momentum, reduce financial blind spots, and build meaningful progress toward your goals in the new year and beyond.
Transcript
If your wallet had a fitness tracker, what would it say about your habits? As we step into 2026, many of us are thinking about our physical health, but it’s also vital to consider your financial wellness. Today, we’re going to talk about 5 small changes that can have big impacts on your long-term future and financial stability.
The first habit is to give every dollar a job. A budget isn’t just about restriction; it’s about intention. This month, look at your take-home income and assign every dollar a purpose, such as essential expenses, discretionary spending, savings, and goals. As we shift into the new year, don’t forget to adjust the costs that might also experience some change. An intentional approach to your budgeting will help bring clarity into your current finances and set the foundation for control over your future finances.
The second habit is to audit your subscriptions and “auto-spends.” It’s truly amazing how many monthly charges fly under the radar. In fact, 29% of people pay for a subscription they don’t use, and 32% don’t even know how much they spend on subscriptions.1 Take 15 minutes to review what’s actually being used and consider canceling or consolidating what you no longer need.
If you’re cutting back your auto-spends, consider increasing your auto-saves. The best financial habits are the ones you don’t have to think about or remember. Start by setting up automatic transfers into your savings accounts, retirement plans, investment accounts, or even a “future goals” fund. Automation removes friction and helps ensure you’re consistently building towards the future you want.
Next, create a “shock absorber” fund for life’s bumpy ride. Even a modest emergency fund that covers one or two months of expenses can help reduce stress and prevent high-interest debt when life throws you a curveball. Recent research shows that 8 in 10 Americans haven’t increased their emergency savings since the start of 2025, meaning most households are more vulnerable to a financial curveball than they realize.2 Start with a small target in a separate account to decrease the urge to transfer it into a spending account. The important part is getting started and giving yourself a place to gradually grow from.
Lastly, anticipate changes to your annual tax and contribution limits. Tax brackets, retirement plan contribution limits, Social Security wage bases, and HSA or FSA thresholds are all updated annually — and even small changes can affect your cash flow, savings potential, and long-term planning. You can download our 2026 key financial data guide at no cost and keep this resource handy for reference all year long. Knowing these updated figures can help you maximize opportunities and avoid surprises as you plan for the year ahead.
Building financial fitness doesn’t require dramatic change, just steady, intentional habits that compound over time. If you’d like help aligning your goals, reviewing your cash flow, or building your long-term plan, our team is here as a resource. Reach out to schedule a free financial assessment to review your situation and plan your financial future.
Sources:
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Motley Fool Money, Survey: Most Believe They’re Overpaying for Their Subscriptions, July 22, 2025.
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Bankrate, Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report, November 19, 2025.
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• Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Services are offered through Pure Financial Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
• Pure Financial Advisors LLC does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations.
• Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
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• Intended for educational purposes only and are not intended as individualized advice or a guarantee that you will achieve a desired result. Before implementing any strategies discussed you should consult your tax and financial advisors.
CFP® – The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is by the CFP Board of Standards, Inc. To attain the right to use the CFP® mark, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill education, experience and ethics requirements as well as pass a comprehensive exam. 30 hours of continuing education is required every 2 years to maintain the certification.
AIF® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies fi360. To receive the AIF Designation, an individual must meet prerequisite criteria, complete a training program, and pass a comprehensive examination. Six hours of continuing education is required annually to maintain the designation.
