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September 23, 2024

Top 5 Financial Goals to Focus on This Fall

As fall settles in and 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial goals. At Citizens First Bank, we understand that the post-summer season offers a fresh start—a chance to refocus on your finances after vacations, events, and summer spending. Whether you’re looking to tackle debt, build your savings, or plan for the holidays, here are the top five financial goals to prioritize this fall to set yourself up for success in 2025.

1. Rebuild Your Emergency Fund to Help Achieve Your Financial Goals

After a busy summer, your emergency fund might need a little replenishing. Building an emergency fund is a cornerstone of financial security. Ideally, your fund should cover three to six months of living expenses. Fall is an ideal time to refocus on this goal, especially after any unplanned summer expenses. Citizens First Bank’s Personal Savings accounts offer a safe place to grow your emergency fund while earning interest. This cushion will give you peace of mind as the holiday season approaches and prepare you for any unexpected costs in 2025.

2. Pay Off Summer Debt

Summer can be a season of fun, but it can also lead to overspending. Whether it was a vacation, home improvement project, or back-to-school shopping, many people find themselves facing extra credit card debt after summer. Make paying off high-interest debt a priority this fall. Start by creating a plan to pay down your balances, and consider consolidating your debt to reduce interest rates and simplify payments. At Citizens First Bank, we offer resources to help you manage debt and develop a strategy to pay it off more effectively, freeing up more income for saving and investing in 2025.

3. Review and Adjust Your Budget Based on Your Financial Goals

As you transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to review your budget. Fall is a great season to make adjustments and realign your spending habits with your financial goals. Have your priorities shifted? Are there areas where you can cut back or redirect funds toward savings? By reworking your budget now, you can enter 2025 with a clearer financial plan. Citizens First Bank can help you stay on top of your budget and provide tools to track your income and expenses, so you’re always in control of your finances.

4. Prepare for Holiday Spending

The holidays are just around the corner, and they often come with extra expenses. From gifts to travel and festive meals, the season of giving can quickly lead to overspending. Start preparing now by setting up a dedicated holiday savings plan. With Citizens First Bank’s Christmas Club account, you can make regular deposits throughout the year and receive a check in October—just in time for holiday shopping. This proactive approach ensures that your holiday expenses are covered without dipping into your emergency  fund or relying on credit cards. A little planning now can save you from financial stress later.

5. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts

As you wrap up 2024, now is a great time to review your retirement savings. Contributing to your retirement accounts is one of the best ways to secure your financial future. If you haven’t maxed out your contributions for the year, fall is an excellent time to catch up. Whether it’s a 401(k) through your employer or an IRA, adding to your retirement accounts can help you take advantage of compound growth and ensure that you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals. Citizens First Bank can guide you through the process, helping you understand your options and maximize your retirement savings.

Setting the Stage for a Successful 2025

Fall is a season of change, making it the perfect time to revisit your financial goals and set new ones for 2025. Whether you’re focusing on paying off debt, building your emergency fund, planning for the holidays, or securing your retirement, Citizens First Bank is here to help you every step of the way. Our wide range of financial products and services can support your journey toward a stronger financial future.

Stop by any of our branches or give us a call to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals and start 2025 on the right financial footing.

Citizens First Bank – Member FDIC