When it comes to managing your finances, small habits can lead to big rewards. We asked our team members to share their best financial habits, and their advice covers everything from savings strategies to credit management and long-term planning. Check out these tips to help you build a stronger financial future.

1. Savings strategies: pay yourself first

Building a strong savings foundation ensures you’re prepared for both the expected and the unexpected. Here are some of the best ways to save effectively:

• Automate your savings. “I set up an automatic transfer of 10% of my paycheck into a special savings account. When extra expenses pop up, like car repairs, I’m ready and don’t have to adjust my budget.” — Ariel Ruiz
• Create a dedicated savings account. “If I see the money, I will spend it! So, I set up a completely separate Money Market Account that I only transfer money into. Every time I get paid, I transfer $100 into it and then forget about it. That way, when something happens in my life, I have a reserve set aside that ‘I didn’t know was there.’” — Mary Rifenburg
• Set clear savings goals. “When I’m thinking of making a large transaction in the future, I work backward to plan how much I need to save monthly to avoid putting it on a credit card and paying higher interest.” — Alexis Loaiza
• Prepare for emergencies. “I’ve built up my savings over time, so I have at least three months of expenses covered. You never know what life might throw at you, and it’s so beneficial to be prepared!” — Cristina Nazario

2. Credit Card & Debt Management: Keep It Under Control

Responsible credit use can help you avoid unnecessary debt while maintaining a good credit score. Here are some steps to take:

• Align payment schedules. “To help manage credit card payments, I changed all my credit cards to have the same due date. Then, I set up a recurring monthly alert on my phone for two days prior to the due date to help me keep track.” — Sheree Kimani
• Avoid carrying a balance. “I try to avoid putting purchases on credit cards that I can’t pay for in full, in cash. This helps me live within my means and avoid paying interest unnecessarily.” — Anna Sheeley
• Automate payments. “I take advantage of automatic monthly payments; that way, I avoid potential late fees and maintain an on-time payment history.” — Allen Milliron

3. Retirement Planning: Invest in Your Future

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better prepared you’ll be for financial independence later in life. Try these strategies:

• Start now, not later. “Every day you delay planning and contributing toward your retirement is less money you will have during your retirement, so I make it a priority to save. Don’t delay — start saving today!” — Lionel Shipman
• Maximize contributions. “Life goes by so quickly. I make it a priority to maximize my 401(k) contribution so that when the time comes to retire, I’ll be ready.” — Sheryl Davis
• Increase savings after raises. “Whenever I receive a promotion or raise at work, I increase the percentage that I contribute to my 401(k) to save for retirement before I even see the increase in my paychecks.” — Aaron DeVost

4. Budgeting & Money Organization: Know Where Your Money Goes

Staying financially organized can help you keep on track toward your goals. Make it easier with these tips:

• Use multiple accounts for better tracking. “Having separate accounts for different purposes really helps me stay organized. Specifically, I’ve created two accounts: one dedicated solely to bills and another for everything else. By transferring my bill money to the first account, I always know exactly how much I have left to allocate for savings, spending and treating myself to something nice.” — Nadia Perrilliat
• Check your statements regularly. “I regularly review the transaction history and monthly statements for my bank accounts and credit cards. That’s really important for catching any fraud or potential errors quickly, and it also keeps me aware of my spending and on track for my budgeting goals.” — Claire Butler

5. Smart Spending & Financial Wellness: Balance Saving with Enjoyment

Money isn’t just about saving — it’s also about using your funds wisely to enjoy life while staying financially responsible. Here are some strategies to deploy:

• Look for deals and free activities. “I am always looking for a deal — whether that’s a coupon or a free activity for my children. This allows my family to make memories and save more for life’s unexpected expenses.” — Rikitta Weeks
• Budget for self-care. “Saving money to prepare for the future is essential to building financial success. But I also factor self-care into my budget, and I specifically do something nice for myself at least once a month. It doesn’t have to be a big expense — it can be buying a new plant, going to the movies or getting new cool sneakers. Treating yourself is a way to make yourself feel cared for.” — Christian Gallardo
• Make big payments for optimal results. “To take advantage of the best discount on auto insurance, I pay in one lump sum instead of monthly. In order to do this comfortably, I transfer a set amount to a Club Account each paycheck so I have enough to make the next lump-sum payment.” — Wendy Melton

6. Protecting Your Finances: Stay Vigilant

A strong financial foundation also includes keeping your money and personal information safe. Here’s how to do so:

• Stay alert for fraud. “I stay informed about common scams, like phony text messages and phishing emails. I also make sure to share this information with my relatives and friends so they know how to avoid digital scams too.” — Kasha Oliver
• Teach financial literacy early. “I make it a priority to teach my kids the importance of saving and help them understand the basics of household finances. I also put aside money each paycheck to prepare for their futures.” — Jasmine Holden

Final Thoughts: Small Steps Add Up

Good financial habits aren’t about drastic changes overnight — they’re about small, consistent actions that build up over time. By following the habits our team members shared, you can take steps toward better financial health and a more secure future.

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• General Education