Financial Wellness
Your Fall 2026 Financial Checklist
Fall is the perfect moment to pause, reset, and prepare for year‑end finances. You don't need a complicated plan or giant spreadsheets—you just need a simple checklist. Automate what you can, eliminate high‑interest debt, and give your money a clear purpose.
Here is your Fall 2026 financial checklist:
Here is your Fall 2026 financial checklist:
Post-summer wallet check
Review any spending that crept up over the summer—happy hours, festivals, travel, sports events, or higher air conditioning bills. If credit card balances climbed, adjust your budget now as autumn expenses shift.Build your holiday gift fund before autumn leaves fall
Avoid end-of-year financial strain. Set up a dedicated holiday Club savings account and automate small weekly or bi‑weekly transfers through September, October, and November. You'll have the cash on hand for gifts, travel, and festive gatherings without relying on high-interest credit. Small contributions now mean less stress—and less debt—in December.Make a few smart tax and retirement moves
Check your 401(k) and IRA contributions progress. Increasing your contribution rate by even 1-2% during these final months can yield substantial tax savings while bolstering your future nest egg before the December 31 deadline. Update beneficiaries while you're at it.Draft-proof your home, stress-proof your insurance
Before harsh winter weather arrives, review your homeowner's or renter's insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection against seasonal risks. It's also a good time to set aside a modest maintenance budget for furnace servicing or roof inspections. Planning ahead can prevent costly emergency repairs later. Some other simple tips to keep warm and save money include sealing up cracks, cleaning out gutters, replacing air filters, and upgrading your thermostat.Check your spending
Our Budget Calculator is designed to help you analyze your spending, make adjustments, and create a more effective budget. By tracking your monthly income and expenses, you can identify where your money goes and determine how much to set aside for savings each month.
Review your credit and account security
With peak online shopping season right around the corner, safeguard your identity. Request your free credit reports, activate real-time transaction alerts in your mobile banking app, and update your account passwords for peace of mind.Check your credit report
Receive one free copy of your credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. You can request these reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, Digital Banking members enrolled in ID Smart Shield receive a free monthly TransUnion credit report.
For card-specific alerts and controls, log in to online banking and go to Card Services>Card Management>Manage card>Alerts and Controls. In our mobile app, tap Cards and select Alerts and Controls.
For card-specific alerts and controls, log in to online banking and go to Card Services>Card Management>Manage card>Alerts and Controls. In our mobile app, tap Cards and select Alerts and Controls.
Finish 2026 on a high note
A quick fall tune up can ease holiday stress and keep your financial goals on track—setting you up for a stronger, more confident start to 2027.Resources: SmartMoney, The Fresno Bee
