Kick Off the New Year with the Four Pillars of Financial Wellness

Pillar 1: Spend - Get Intentional with Your Money

New Year’s resolutions are often well-intended and may start with goals of “spending less.” The truth, however, is spending isn’t the real problem. Instead, unplanned and spontaneous spending can be problematic.

Here are three easy ways to improve your spending habits for the new year:

1. Build a simple, realistic budget

Everyone’s budget will look different. There’s no need for spreadsheets or color coding, (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it!). Budgeting can seem overwhelming at first, so start simple. Identify categories of your spending that matter most to you or your family. For example, necessities, commitments, and even a little bit of fun may top your list. An important thing to keep in mind is that a budget isn’t meant to restrict you, it’s meant to structure your spending in a way that empowers you. Maybe, instead of ordering food deliveries 3 days a week, you budget for 1 day a week and reallocate your savings to help pay off your credit card faster to save on interest.

2. Utilize tools that make budgeting easier

A crucial first step in determining and building out your budget is estimating your monthly payments for essentials like mortgages, rent, car payments, utilities, and credit card payments.

To assist you in your budgeting journey, Logix offers many financial calculators to help you track expenses, plan loan payments, and layout big decisions like home buying or debt payoff.

Some of our handy calculators include:

• Auto Loan Calculators:
  • Should you lease or purchase your next car?
  • What would your monthly car payments look like?
  • Would it be smart to consider refinancing your vehicle at a lower rate?
• Home and Mortgage Calculators:
  • Should you rent or buy a home?
  • What mortgage term will work best for you?
  • How much would your monthly payments be with interest rates and property taxes lumped in?
• Retirement Calculators:
  • How much will you need to save for retirement?
  • Are your current retirement savings sufficient?
  • Approximate your Social Security benefits

3. Check in on your spending regularly

A weekly or bi-weekly “money check-in” not only helps you stay on track with your spending, but helps you avoid surprises, and allows you the opportunity to make small adjustments that add up over time. By regularly monitoring your accounts, you can also stay on top of any fraudulent charges should they occur.

Smart spending isn’t about cutting everything; it’s about choosing what matters most and what will best support your financial goals. Remember, it’s ok to allocate for a little fun along the way!

Explore more useful articles on spending and budgeting your finances to ensure for a smarter financial future.

Pillar 2: Save - Give Yourself Some Financial Breathing Room

Imagine ending each month with a little extra financial cushion? Sounds a lot less stressful, right?

That’s what saving can set you up for.

Here are three resolutions to strengthen your savings habits for the coming year:

1. Start small and stay consistent

If saving 10% of your paycheck a month isn’t possible, start with 1% or $5 per paycheck. Every little bit adds up and makes a big difference. After building a realistic budget you are committed to sticking to, you’ll be better able to allocate what you’re comfortable saving per month or per paycheck. Consistency builds confidence, and confidence builds savings.

2. Automate your savings

Set up automatic transfers or direct deposit from your paycheck into your Logix Savings Account. When saving happens behind the scenes, you’re more likely to stick with it.

3. Earn more on what you save

In addition to a traditional Savings Account, explore higher-yield options like the Logix Money Market Savings Account. Our Money Market Savings Account grows your money faster as your balance increases, so the more money you put into your account, the higher dividend yields you get. You can make unlimited deposits anytime and enjoy easy access to your funds. For certain types of electronic transfers and withdrawals, the account includes a limit of six per month. Transactions made at ATMs, in person, or by mail are not subject to this limit.

Consider opening a Money Market Savings Account and using it for an emergency fund or saving for a big life event like a house or car purchase.

Saving isn’t about the amount so much as it’s about building a safety net that supports your peace of mind and future goals.

Here are some additional helpful resources for creating a savings backup plan to help prepare for unexpected emergencies.

Pillar 3: Borrow - Use Credit Wisely to Build Your Future

Debt often gets a bad reputation, but not all debt is negative. Healthy borrowing helps you reach life milestones like buying a home, building credit, or financing education for yourself or children.

Here’s how to borrow wisely in the new year:

1. Focus on healthy, goal-driven debt

Home Loans, Student Loans, and Auto Loans can help you build long-term stability and increase your net worth.

2. Keep monthly debt payments manageable

Try to keep non-housing monthly debt like credit card payments under 15% of your income. This helps protect your budget and your stress level. If it’s within your budget, consider paying more than your monthly minimum payment or making extra payments, so that you can pay off your card faster and save on growing interest. Check out our extra payment calculator to determine how quickly you may be able to pay off your debt by making small additional monthly payments towards your principal.

Logix offers several credit cards with amazing member perks! Our World Rewards Mastercard® and Platinum Mastercard® both offer a 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months your account is open.* After that your variable APR will be 16.49% to 17.99%, based on your creditworthiness for the World Rewards Mastercard®, and a variable APR of 11.99% to 17.99%, based on creditworthiness for the Platinum Mastercard® (rates accurate as of 12/17/25, and are subject to change – click here to see current rates). To avoid interest rates, ensure you pay off your balance before the Introductory period ends. If you often carry a month-to-month balance on your credit card, consider applying for our Platinum Mastercard. With low variable APR, it is beneficial for ongoing balances.

3. Know and monitor your credit score

A strong credit score opens the door to better rates and lower payments when purchasing a home, car, or opening a credit card. There are many ways to help you build or rebuild your credit score, such as ensuring that all your bills are paid on time. Setting up automatic payments helps ensure you make payments on time, since life can get busy and we may forget. Additionally, take advantage of the tools in our Online Banking platform and Logix Mobile App to stay aware of your credit health.

One of the fastest ways to add to your credit history is to make payments on a secured credit card, like the Logix Savings-Secured Mastercard credit card. This card has low monthly payments and is a great tool for building or repairing your credit score.

When you understand how borrowing works, debt becomes a tool, not a burden.

We offer many helpful resources for managing your debt and achieving financial freedom.

Pillar 4: Plan - Turn Your Goals into a Roadmap

Where do you want your financial life to be in a year, five, or even ten years?

Your answer becomes the heart of your financial plan.

Here are three planning questions to help guide your next steps:

1. What are your financial goals?

Brainstorm both your long-and-short-term financial goals. Is it buying a home within five years? Building an emergency fund? Saving for your child’s education? Identifying your goals gives you something to work towards and often makes them more achievable.

2. What changes can you make today to support your goals?

You may just be starting off on a goal or be well on your way to making it a reality. A small budget shift, an extra savings transfer, or cutting back on one expense can move you closer to where you want to be.

3. Who can help you stay on track?

Our Financial Service Officers (FSOs) are all Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors and can help you build a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. It may also help to talk over, and share your goals, budget, and how you plan to work towards your specific goals with a trusted family member or friend. Having an accountability partner or someone you can work with to help you stay focused on your plans can make a huge difference.

You don’t have to follow your plan perfectly to achieve your goals, but it helps give you direction as you move towards achieving it.

Here's to a Stronger Financial New Year

Financial success isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about taking one small step at a time, building habits that are both consistent and achievable, and using the Four Pillars – Spend, Save, Borrow, and Plan – to guide your financial choices.

At Logix, we’re here to support you at every stage of your financial journey. Whether you’re building your budget and need a little extra help, growing your savings, looking to better manage debt, or planning for big future milestones, we’re committed to helping you make smart money moves all year long.

Here’s to a confident, empowered, and financially healthy new year! Future you will thank you for all the hard work you’re doing now, but don’t forget to celebrate a bit along the way.

* Introductory Rate on World Rewards and Platinum Regular Card: Introductory Rate is available to members who meet minimum credit score and underwriting criteria. Cardholder must qualify. Credit card purchases made during the first 6 months your credit card account is open qualify for 0% APR for the first 6 billing cycles. When the Introductory Rate period has ended, the rate applied to any remaining outstanding balance for those transactions will be at the cardholder’s standard Credit Card rate.

Logix Credit Cards are available in the following states: AZ, CA, DC, MA, MD, ME, NH, NV, and VA. Logix membership required.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.