Simple Ways to Build Better Savings Habits
The new year is here, and that means it’s the perfect time for some fresh momentum. No matter your financial goals for the year — whether you’re saving for a summer vacation, tackling much-needed home repairs, or building an emergency fund — the best time to start is right now!
At AbbyBank, we’re big on practical steps that help you reach your goals. That’s why we’ve put together these five smart, manageable strategies to help you save more money in 2026 — along with how AbbyBank can support you every step of the way.
Audit (and Trim) Your Recurring Costs
Before you can save, you need a clear picture of your financial situation. Many people think they know how much they earn and spend each month, but once they sit down and itemize it, they often discover they’re spending more than they realized.
Don’t let this happen to you! Open your last two months of statements and list all subscriptions, memberships, and other extraneous expenses. Keep the ones you truly use and enjoy, and work on cancelling the rest— then put that money toward your monthly savings.
AbbyBank’s Personal Finance tool in online & mobile banking, lets you see your monthly expenses in one place — even from external accounts — and set a budget that you can stick to.
Separate Your Accounts
One of the biggest hurdles to saving is the belief that a separate savings account is unnecessary or inconvenient. In reality, when all your money lives in one account, it’s easy to fall off track and spend funds that could easily be designated for savings.
The solution? Create separate accounts so your funds don’t mingle. If you’re building an emergency fund, open a savings account specifically for that purpose. If you want to tackle home improvement projects, set up an account dedicated to saving for materials and expenses.
AbbyBank offers a variety of savings accounts and a money market account that can help you reach your goals.
Open the Right Account
Not all savings accounts are created equal. Some are ideal for your emergency fund, while others are designed to help you save for larger, long-term goals. Choosing the right account can make a big difference in how efficiently you save.
The team at AbbyBank is happy to help you find the account that’s right for you. Call us today to discuss our Savings, Savings Plus, and Money Market account options.
Make Things Easy on Yourself
One of the simplest ways to save consistently is to set up automatic transfers so you don’t have to think about it. Even just $20 every pay period can add up faster than you might expect.
Use AbbyBank’s online banking tools to easily set up transfers, track your savings progress, and view all your accounts in one convenient place.
Set Up Savings Checkpoints
“I want to save for a vacation” is a great starting point, but without clear goals, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we recommend setting up savings “checkpoints” — smaller, achievable goals along the saving journey that can break the larger goal into manageable steps.
For example, if you’re saving up for a vacation, these checkpoints might be “new tires for the car,” “hotel expenses for the week” or “airline tickets for the family,” etc. Breaking a large goal into smaller milestones helps keep you motivated and moving forward.
Why Start with AbbyBank
AbbyBank’s savings accounts are built for everyday Wisconsinites — with no monthly service fees, no minimum balance to open, interest earned on qualifying balances, free eBanking and Mobile Banking, and FDIC insurance. Plus, you’ll have access to helpful tools and a local team ready to support your goals.
Ready to put your 2026 savings plan in motion? Call the team at AbbyBank today to discuss your options, or visit your local branch to open an account today.
