Start the Year Strong: Smart Financial Housekeeping Tips

Start the Year Strong: Smart Financial Housekeeping Tips

A new year brings new opportunities especially when it comes to organizing your financial life. At Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you build confidence, stay prepared, and start 2026 on the right track.

Here are a few quick (but important!) reminders to make sure your financial foundation is solid as you step into the year ahead.

  1. Review Your Year End Statements and Save Them for Tax Season

Before the year gets too busy, take a moment to look through your year end account statements. These documents provide a clear snapshot of your earnings, dividends, and account activity information that can make tax filing much smoother.

Why it matters:
• Helps you spot any errors or unfamiliar transactions
• Ensures you have the documents your tax preparer may request
• Keeps your financial history organized and accessible

Pro tip: Save digital copies in a secure folder labeled “2025 Taxes” so everything is ready when you need it.

  1. Update Your Contact Information

Moved recently? Changed your phone number or email address? Now is the perfect time to make sure we can reach you quickly and securely.

Accurate contact information helps you:
• Receive important account alerts
• Stay informed about credit union updates and new services
• Ensure uninterrupted access to online and mobile banking

It takes only a minute, but it could save you from missing critical notifications. If you have updated or changed your contact details, this can be easily updated in Online Banking or on the Mobile App or with a phone call with one of our representatives.

  1. Check Your Beneficiaries to Protect Your Loved Ones

Life changes—marriages, growing families, and major milestones. Your beneficiary designations should reflect those changes.

A quick review ensures:
• Your assets go exactly where you intend
• Your loved ones avoid unnecessary delays or complications
• You maintain peace of mind knowing your wishes are honored

If it’s been a while since you last checked, now’s a perfect time.

  1. Review or Set Up Automatic Payments to Avoid Missed Bills

Automatic payments are one of the simplest ways to keep your financial life running smoothly.

Setting up or reviewing your automatic payments helps you:
• Prevent missed or late payments
• Protect your credit score
• Manage cash flow more easily
• Reduce stress by putting routine bills on autopilot

Even a quick monthly check-in can go a long way.

Start the Year with Confidence

These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your finances organized, secure, and aligned with your goals. As always, we are here to support you with tools, guidance, and personalized service every step of the way.

If you need help with any of the items above, our team is just a call or visit away. Here’s to a strong, successful, and financially confident year ahead!