After the ball drops and the confetti settles, there’s something refreshing about the blank slate of a new year. January invites us to dream bigger, declutter our routines, and set goals, including those aimed at improving our financial health. However, lofty ambitions often fade fast.
So, this year, let’s ditch the all-or-nothing mindset in favor of micro-habits: small, achievable financial tweaks that can snowball into meaningful change. These easy wins can help you build momentum without burning out.
Start with something simple: Choose one day each week to skip all non-essential spending. Think no online impulse buys, no coffee shop runs, no delivery orders. Take advantage of cozy winter weekends at home and bundle up with a movie, hot cocoa, or a game night instead of going out.
This small habit could evolve into a stronger sense of self-control. After a few weeks or months, see if you can turn this one “no-spend” day into two days!
Cooking at home is one of the most underrated ways to save. Dedicate just one day a week to preparing a few meals or ingredients for lunches and dinners. You’ll save time, spend less on takeout, and make your grocery runs more intentional.
With this habit, you’re not just saving money. You’re also saving time. As the week goes along, you could have dinner already prepped in the refrigerator. All it will need is a little time to reheat in the oven or microwave. You’re also supporting your health by cooking and eating at home.
Saving money doesn’t require a big windfall; it just needs consistency. Set up a small, automatic transfer from checking to savings every payday. Even $10 a week adds up to over $500 a year, without any extra effort. If possible, increase the amount slightly with each season, or after a raise or bonus.
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up and clean up what you don’t use or need. Review your subscriptions for streaming services, apps, and premium memberships, and cancel anything you haven’t used lately. Then, redirect that money into savings or toward a financial goal.
Not sure where to start? Scan recent bank statements to catch hidden auto-renewals. You may be surprised to find what you're still paying for!
Use your digital banking tools to your advantage. Set up an alert for when your checking account balance drops below a certain amount or when large purchases post. These gentle nudges help you stay in tune with your money, even during a busy week.
These kinds of alerts can also be signs of fraud for any purchases you don’t recognize. If you see a transaction you don’t recognize, contact your financial institution immediately. With American Heritage, you can set up eAlerts through Mobile Teller which notify you when there is a transaction with your card.
For any matters relating to fraud with your American Heritage account, call 215.969.0777. Learn more about security with American Heritage here.
If you drive to work, consider small shifts, like carpooling once a week, combining errands with your commute, or exploring public transit options. If you work remotely, calculate the money you’re already saving on gas and set aside a portion in your savings account. Even shaving $10 off your weekly gas spend adds up to over $500 a year!
Additionally, don’t overlook pre-tax commuter benefits: an easy way to save more without changing your routine. Under federal IRS rules, employers can offer pre-tax programs for transit passes, qualified parking, and even vanpooling. In 2026, workers can use up to $340 per month in pre-tax dollars for eligible transit or vanpool expenses. Employers may also opt to support parking fees if they so choose.
New Jersey even requires employers with 20 or more employees to offer these benefits, while cities like Philadelphia have their own mandates. If your employer participates, you could lower your taxable income and keep more money in your pocket simply by paying for your commute the smart way.
Instead of one big savings bucket, try naming your goals: Holiday Gifts, Summer Vacation, Emergency Fund, or New Car. Most online and mobile banking platforms let you nickname your accounts. This visual reminder can keep you focused and motivated.
Financial success isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. One skipped latte, one no-spend Sunday, and one auto-transfer may seem small, but together, they build the foundation for a healthier financial year. If you’re able to maintain consistency, you’ll develop micro-habits now that can turn into stronger spending habits down the line.