End the Year Strong: Your Unitus Financial Health Checklist

(5 Minute Read) —  As the calendar turns and we all reflect on what has been, it is the perfect moment to look ahead and prepare for what can be and a financial health checklist can help. At Unitus, we believe Member-owned means being empowered with knowledge, tools and support to live confidently in our communities. Let’s walk through a clear and actionable checklist that helps you wrap up the year with intention and start the next year with momentum.

1. Reflect on Your Spending and Goals

Take time this month to review where your money went this year. Did your budget align with what you hoped to spend and save? Where did you surprise yourself with extra spending? And where did you accomplish what you hoped to? Use those insights to set or adjust your goals for next year — whether it is travel, home updates, or something you are saving toward.

2. Strengthen Your “Just in Case” Fund

Having an emergency or rainy-day fund is one of the smartest foundations for financial confidence and is must-have for your financial health checklist. At Unitus, we recommend having enough accessible savings to cover a few months of typical expenses. If your fund is shy of that target, consider placing automatic transfers into a savings account like Go Savings, so you start January having made progress without stress.

This practice aligns with our Social Responsibility Commitments, which focus on helping members build financial resilience across our communities. One easy way to grow your savings is through Unitus Rewards. When you use your debit card and opt-in to Debit Round Up, your everyday purchases can automatically round up and move into your Rewards Savings account. Members who use this feature often save more without needing to think about it, and many reach their emergency fund goals faster. You can also earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases with a Unitus Cash Back Credit Card.

If you want a simple way to strengthen your safety net, combining automatic transfers with Unitus Rewards can give you steady, low-effort growth throughout the year.

3. Maximize Contributions to the Future You

If you have access to a retirement plan, now is a smart time to review your contributions. Have you taken full advantage of any employer match or other benefit? If not, boosting your contributions now can help set up a more secure future and potentially reduce your tax burden (be sure to consult your tax advisor). Also consider whether other savings programs, like a health savings account (HSA) or a dedicated savings account for a long-term goal, can support the next phase of your plan.

4. Address High-Interest Debt and Credit Health

Debt can slow down progress and stress you out. Use year-end momentum to take stock of any outstanding balances — credit cards, personal lines, or other high-interest accounts. Develop a plan to reduce or refinance the parts of your debt that carry the most cost.

One of the benefits of being a Unitus member is access to free financial counseling resources. Meet with a Financial Coach or set up a debt-consolidation plan with our partners at GreenPath. And don’t forget, you can access your credit score for free in Digital Banking. Keeping an eye on your credit score can help you start the new year with clarity and strength.

5. Review Your Protection Plans

Life changes — new job, new home, new family member — and your insurance and protection plans should evolve too. Review your home, auto, life, or disability coverage to make sure it still fits your situation. Update beneficiary designations on key accounts. At Unitus, we also encourage you to check that your savings and investments are in the right mix for your goals, and whether your accounts, access and structure are aligned with how you live now.

You can create the right plan by meeting with a Unitus Financial Advisor.

6. Give With Purpose — And Document It

If charitable giving is part of how you live your values, the end of the year is your chance to align your generosity with your financial strategy. If you itemize, make sure any eligible donations are completed by December 31. For charitable giving that might involve non-cash assets, be sure to track documentation and understand how it fits your tax profile. Giving responsibly means both heart and mind. Need some inspiration? Learn more about the community partners Unitus supports.

7. Set Clear Goals for the Next Year

With the year nearly behind you, take a moment to imagine the one ahead. What new financial milestone do you want to reach? Maybe it is saving for an adventure, paying down a large balance, buying your first home, or upgrading something meaningful. Write it down. We recommend creating a dedicated savings account or “goal fund” to keep your intention visible and working for you. Then consider automating regular deposits, so you arrive at next year’s end reviewing progress, not surprises.

Partner with Unitus for this Journey

As a member-owned credit union, Unitus is hard-wired for your success. Our team of local professionals brings community focus, part of our everyday culture, and we provide tools, insights, and support to help you make smart decisions, not just meet minimums. Our commitment is to improving lives in the communities we serve. As you close this year and plan for the next, we are here for you, with personalized conversations, digital tools, and a partner mindset.

Your Next Step

Start with one item on this list today: maybe it is opening that goal-savings account or pulling your latest credit report. Then pick a second item and give it some time this week. Small actions build momentum. If you would like help identifying which piece makes the biggest impact for your unique situation, contact us. Our support is free, just one of the benefits of being a Unitus member.

Here’s to your financial health, to your goals, and to the community we build together.