Five Budget Tips for 2025
Published on January 24, 2026
•3 min read
It’s the start of the new year, which means it is a fresh start for your finances.
Your goals may be to save more, or to pay off debt— whatever the goals may be, they all should start with a thoughtful, organized plan.
You’re more likely to save when you set realistic expectations. If you set a goal that makes life more difficult, that money will find its way back into your checking account to spend on bills or expenses that were not considered. Commit to a savings goal that is an amount you won’t miss!
Write Down Your Goals
To be intentional about your financial goals it may help to write them all down.
Whether you use a journal or the notes app on your phone, having a place that lists the goals, why you want to achieve them, how you can achieve them, and the impact that they will have once you reach them, can help keep you stay focused on the goals in front of you.
Make sure you check in on that list from time to time, every couple of months or on a schedule that makes sense to you. Cross out what you accomplish, so as 2025 ends you can enjoy the satisfaction of crossing off that last goal on the list.
Remember, goals can also change throughout the year. Finances are not black and white, and things come up that may take priority over a goal you had initially wanted to accomplish. Be real about your situation, identify what goal you can save for 2026, and update your list if it calls for it.
Cut Back on Spending
After you have your goals written down, look at your current spending and see how your new goals fit in. It is likely that you will need to make some spending cuts to stay on track.
An easy place to start is food and beverages. This could be coffee, take-out, delivery, restaurants, and nights out with friends. If you’re spending money in these categories, plus buying groceries, it may be time to take a hard at how you’re allocating funds toward eating and drinking.
The same can go for shopping, recreational activities that you do often, subscriptions, and other recurring payments that fall outside of necessary living expenses.
Freeing up space in your spending will help you achieve your personal goals potentially faster or easier.
Stick to the Budget
Building a budget for the year is the next step. You have your goals, and you’ve identified spending habits you can change. Now it’s time to organize how you’re going to allocate your money with each paycheck.
Make a spreadsheet, grab a journal, or find a template online that organizes everything in a way that makes the most sense to you.
Start with the necessities that you cannot live without each month and designate the money needed to cover those expenses. Then, set aside what money you can afford for ‘want’ expenses, investments like retirement plans, and savings accounts like an emergency fund, or for long-term savings goals.
Automate Everything
For all your necessary spending like rent, mortgages, utilities, loan payments, education, and so on, put everything on automatic payments. In 2025, don’t spend extra on late fees so you can put that money toward your priorities.
Save What You Can
Your budget may be tight, and saving may seem impossible, but even putting $10 away every paycheck can get you on your way.
The best way to optimize your savings is with a high-earning savings account. For example, Metro Checking members can access 3.00% APY on their Membership Savings account up to $3,000. That $10 every week or two earns more, especially if you stay consistent with your contribution.
Get started on your budget now and make 2025 your year! For more information on Metro Checking and what Metro Credit Union can do to help you hit your financial goals, connect in minutes with an agent through the Digital Branch.
