Practical ways to improve your financial wellbeing in 2026
31 December 2025
As we look ahead to 2026, it’s a great time to think about your financial goals. Setting personal finance goals, using smart budgeting tips, and planning ahead can help you manage money better and feel confident about the year ahead. At An Post Money, we make financial planning simple and stress-free so you can take control without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Budgeting tips: take a fresh look at your spending
Start the year by checking in on your budget from last year. Did most of your money go towards essentials like housing and groceries or dining out and subscriptions? Understanding these patterns is the first step. You can then categorise your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities, subscriptions, repayment) and variable (entertainment, shopping, travel). This will help you identify areas where you can cut back.
Once you have a clear picture, create a realistic budget that aligns with your goals for 2026. You can do this manually or use a budgeting app to simplify the process. Our free budgeting tool offers this functionality, helping you track spending and stay on top of your finances with ease.
2. Ways to improve financial well-being: build your safety net
Having an emergency fund is essential, just in case any surprises pop up. Aim to have a few months’ worth of savings set aside. Even small contributions can make a big difference over time. If you are saving for multiple goals, look for an account that allows you to separate funds easily. Our current account includes a feature like savings jars, which helps you organise money for holidays, emergencies, or big purchases.
3. Simple steps to manage finances: reduce debt where you can
If you have credit card or loan balances to pay off, consider making them a priority in 2026. Start by reviewing all your outstanding balances, including credit cards, loans, and any other obligations. Make a list of interest rates and minimum payments so you can prioritise what to tackle first. A good rule of thumb is to focus on high-interest debt first, such as credit cards, because these can quickly accumulate and cost you more over time.
One way to speed up repayment is by using a balance transfer option that offers 0% interest for a set period, helping you pay down debt faster without extra charges. If you are looking for a credit card with this feature, our Classic Credit Card includes a 0% balance transfer offer, making it easier to manage repayments without extra charges.
Monitoring your credit score is also essential. A healthy credit score can help you secure better rates on loans and mortgages in the future.
4. Setting personal finance goal for 2026
Big financial goals can feel overwhelming but breaking them down into smaller steps makes them more manageable. Start by thinking about what matters most to you in 2026 - is it saving for a dream holiday or buying a new house? Calculate how much you’ll need and work backwards to figure out monthly or weekly contributions. Seeing the numbers broken down makes the goal feel less intimidating.
To make saving easier, consider tools that help you organise money for different goals, such as saving jars. This helps you track progress without mixing everything and makes your goals feel more achievable. It’s also important to review your goals regularly. Life changes and priorities shift, so check in every few months to make sure your plan still works for you. Adjusting early can keep you on track and prevent surprises later.
5. Manage money better with free budgeting tools
Managing your finances does not have to be stressful. The right budgeting tool can make a big difference by helping you track your spending, set realistic limits and stay in control of your money. These tools often provide real-time insights and alerts, so you always know where you stand. If you want a simple way to keep your finances organised, consider using a free budgeting tool like our Money Manager that brings everything together in one place and makes staying on track effortless.
Start your journey to better financial planning
Financial well-being isn’t about big leaps. It’s about taking small, consistent steps that add up over time. With a little planning and the right support, 2026 can be the year you feel confident and in control of your finances.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your credit agreement your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.
**Money Transfers are available to the main cardholder only and subject to credit approval. You can transfer from €100 up to 95% of your credit limit.
The interest rate for Money Transfers on the Classic Credit Card is the same as the standard variable rate on your card (16.8%).
When the Money Transfer offer ends on the Flex Credit Card any outstanding amount will be charged interest at your standard variable rate (16.8%).
The An Post Money Classic and Flex Credit Cards are issued by Bankinter S.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
An Post acts as a credit intermediary on behalf of Bankinter S.A., who provide loan and credit card services and facilities. An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by the CCPC.
Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
Terms & Conditions apply. The An Post Money Current Account Debit Mastercard is issued by An Post. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. A monthly maintenance fee applies. An Post is authorised by the Minister for Finance to provide payment services and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland in the provision of such services.
Money Manager is provided by An Post in conjunction with Tink. Tink is a payment Institution authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority to provide account information services.