Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}

Remember when you saved up your money for that Walkman or a concert ticket to see NKOTB or Bruce Springsteen?

Setting financial goals today works the same way—you just swap out the cassette tapes for retirement accounts.

Goals aren't some boring spreadsheet exercise; they're your financial GPS, helping you navigate from "I want that" to "I bought that" without the guilt hangover.

Think of it as the difference between channel surfing and… Continue Reading

* Source: PYMNTS Intelligence

“Dude, just tell me where to put my money.”

What Are You Focused on Money-Wise?

How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions?

Maybe you didn’t even make any because, well, how do you choose what to focus on anyway right now? It’s like if your whole house was on fire and you have to decide whether to put out the one in the kitchen or the bathroom. Will it even make a difference in the grand scheme of things?

We’re here to tell you that yes, yes it does.

And we feel confident enough to point you to the first three rooms you need to put out the fire in (Not sure this is the best analogy, but I’m going with it.):

Pay off your high-interest debt.
Budget for home improvements.
Plan for some affordable getaway time.

The first step to improving your financial health is to gauge where you are.

The next step is to pick a direction to head. So instead of fretting about how many resolutions you’ve already forgotten - just pick one thing to focus on, and go from there.

Keep reading for some colorful step-by-step, 12-month guidance for all 3 of these Gen X Financial Goal options!

3 Totally Achievable Financial Goals for Gen X in 2026

#1. Chip Away at Debt - Priority #1 for Many Gen Xers

Debt holds back saving and investing - and for Gen X, this isn’t theoretical. A large share of Gen Xers are focused on reducing debt right now. Whether it’s credit cards, auto loans, or lingering student debt, making progress here can free up hundreds (or thousands) annually.

#2. Budget for Home Improvements - Protect and Increase Your Equity

Many Gen X homeowners sit on substantial equity, but deferred maintenance or outdated systems can cost more down the road. A planned approach to home improvements can both save money and boost resale value.

You might be thinking, “So you’re telling me to spend money on home renos when I can’t even save for my emergency fund?'“

Well ya, this plan IS for that. If you start saving to replace your 25-year-old furnace in 2 years before it breaks and you have an actual emergency (No joke, this literally just happened to me.), you’re cutting out stress and potentially, saving money. Things aren’t getting cheaper, if you haven’t noticed.

Also - down the road, when you’re ready to downsize after you finally claim the ‘Empty Nester’ trophy, you will be grateful you kept up your house, because you’re not getting as much for a home with a busted up roof and a kitchen full of fixtures with the nasty 90s brass and cranberry colored walls.

#3. Plan Affordable Getaways - Recharge Without Breaking the Bank

While not traditionally a financial priority like debt or savings, planned vacations can improve mental well-being and actually help reset spending habits. For stressed Gen Xers, a getaway can serve as a financial “reward” while still respecting long-term goals.