6 tips to start 2026 off right

What will you bring with you from 2025 to 2026? This question can determine whether you repeat old habits or create a year full of personal and financial accomplishments.

Here are 6 tips to help you fine-tune your budget and consider your goals for the new year.

The purpose of setting financial goals is to achieve what you want. Whether you’re planning a trip or trying to buy a house, your budget should support those goals. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your small luxuries completely; it’s about finding a healthy balance.

Define what you want, visualize how rewarding it will be to reach that goal, and celebrate as your savings grow.

Saving money doesn’t have to feel like mission impossible. The key is to create a plan that runs smoothly on its own while you out and live your life. Meet your two best allies:

•  Ahorro Directo¹
  
  •  
  • Sometimes, that small extra amount you receive when paying with your debit card can become real savings. When you sign up for this service, each purchase with your debit card is rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the difference is automatically transferred into the savings account you choose. It’s like having a silent partner.
  •  
  • How does it work? You buy a coffee for $3.75; the transaction is rounded up to $4.00, and the extra $0.25 goes directly into your savings account. Imagine how much you’ll save by the end of the month!
  •  
  • Activate it now! It’s quick and easy—simply go to popular.com/chat, type “I want to activate Ahorro Directo,” and provide the requested information.
  •  
• Mi Banco^SM Alerts²
  •  
  • The best way to stay on top of your budget is to check it regularly. You can do this with Mi Banco Alerts. So, when you’re buying gifts for your family, the app can notify you when your balance is above or below a certain amount. It can also send you alerts when purchases are made with your cards and when payments are processed, among other types of notifications.
  •  
  • Pro Tip: Balance alerts can also help you avoid overdraft fees. Remember, you can receive these alerts via SMS, push notifications from the Mi Banco Mobile app, or email—whichever you prefer.

Earn points and redeem them for travel, cash, or gift cards. Remember to use your cards responsibly. Depending on how you use them, credit cards can be a helpful tool or a burden.

When it comes to your credit, we want you to feel empowered to make your own decisions. Now, there’s a new, fully digital platform where you can check your eligibility and view if there’s an offer for yous without impacting your credit score⁴.

We don’t just save for treats or fun things. We also need to prepare for unexpected expenses like car repairs. A healthy balance involves saving for your goals and maintaining a strong emergency fund.

If you like to visualize your expenses to understand how much you should save for those unexpected moments, use our Budget Sheet.

Start planning for your dream retirement today, even if it feels far off. The earlier you start, the more rewarding it will be when the time comes.

Through Retirement Snap⁵, Banco Popular’s team of specialists can assist you in planning and developing a retirement strategy, turning your dreams into a practical plan.

Ensure your financial goals align with your values and identity. Begin today with small steps, and by the end of next year, you’ll be proud of everything you’ve achieved.

And remember, don’t wait until the end of the year to evaluate your progress. Regular check-ins will help you stay on top of your finances and adjust your plan as needed. Make it easier with our guide Money Check: A Date With Your Finances.