As 2026 approaches, now is the perfect time to set powerful financial resolutions — whether you’re planning for your family’s future or aiming to grow your business. Choose a few actionable, impactful steps today and gain momentum toward financial stability and success. Here are 12 smart resolutions with expert guidance from your local banking partner, Banterra Bank.
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Personal Financial Resolutions For 2026
1. Build Or Strengthen Your Emergency Fund
- Goal: Save three to six months of expenses
- How: Set up automatic transfers to a separate Banterra savings or Money Market account
- Why: Protects against unexpected expenses without derailing your budget
2. Reduce Or Pay Off High-Interest Debt
- Focus: Credit cards and personal loans
- Strategy: Use the avalanche method — pay the highest interest first
- Pro Tip: Use Banterra’s online calculators and alerts to track progress
3. Max Out Your Retirement Contributions
- Goal: Increase by 1% per quarter until you hit the employer match
- Why: Compound interest builds wealth over time
- On Your Radar: Banterra’s Helping You Thrive podcast episodes with financial tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights
4. Refresh Your Budget For 2026 Realities
- Check for: Unused subscriptions, cost-of-living changes
- Rule of Thumb: 50/30/20 breakdown (Needs/Wants/Savings)
- Tool: Banterra’s mobile insights and notifications make tracking easy
5. Improve Your Credit Health
- Action: Pull free credit reports (AnnualCreditReport.com)
- Watch: Keep utilization under 30% and dispute errors
- Support: Ask about Banterra’s credit monitoring tools and services
6. Start Or Expand Investing
- Beginner Tip: Explore low-cost index funds or mutual funds
- Next Step: Connect with Banterra Insurance & Investments1 for personalized local financial planning
- Support: Banterra’s investment team offers both personal and retirement-focused strategies
Financial Resolutions For Small Business Owners For 2026
7. Evaluate Cash Flow & Budget Mid-Year
- Review: Income and expenses year-to-date
- Benefit: Spot potential shortfalls early
- Asset: Use the Treasury Management Dashboard for real-time data
8. Cut Unnecessary Business Costs
- Look For: Unused software or subscriptions
- Tool: Banterra’s business statements help flag trends
9. Automate Payments & Invoicing
- Use: Remote Deposit Capture and ACH for faster collections
- Advantage: Banterra’s treasury management platform supports both with speed and security
10. Establish A Business Reserve Fund
- Target: Save 5–10% of revenue monthly
- Where: Use Banterra’s Business Savings or Money Market Accounts
11. Upgrade Fraud Prevention Measures
- Adopt: Dual approvals, Positive Pay, real-time alerts
- Provider: Banterra offers built-in security tools and ongoing fraud education
12. Plan For Growth With Smart Borrowing
- Preparation: Investigate credit lines, SBA loans, or equipment financing
- Support: Local decisions and fast turnaround through Banterra Business Banking
Smart Habits To Maintain In 2026
- Quarterly check-ins with yourself and with a Banterra advisor
- Auto-savings transfers and mobile budgeting alerts
- Listening to the Helping You Thrive podcast for ongoing advice
Helpful Resources
- Financial Literacy Month: Five Finance Basics
- 10 Essential Financial Tips For Your Business
- Mid-Year Check-Up: Seven Ways To Keep Your Business On Track
- IRS Rules On Retirement Contributions
- AnnualCreditReport.com For Free Credit Checks
- Banterra’s Fraud Protection Info & IDProtect® Service For Personal Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Much Should I Save Monthly For Emergency Funds?
Aim for five to ten percent of income for individuals and revenue for businesses until goals are met.
Q: Do Smart Businesses Really Need A Reserve Fund?
Absolutely. Unexpected expenses happen — having a buffer prevents hasty borrowing.
Q: Can I Refinance Or Open Credit With Banterra Anytime?
Yes, reach out to your banker to explore refinancing or new credit options tailored to your needs.
Contact A Lending Expert Today
Next Steps
- Schedule a financial check-up with a Banterra advisor
- Set up auto-savings and alerts via our app
- Subscribe to Helping You Thrive for ongoing insights on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts
- Keep track of your resolutions quarterly — 2026 is yours to shape
1Not a deposit, not guaranteed by the bank, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency. Investments may lose value. Auto and home insurance only available to Illinois customers. Security and advisory services offered through LPL Financial Registered Representatives for Banterra may only discuss and/or transact securities business with the residents of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates.
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December 17, 2025 by Banterra Bank
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