January is your reset button: new goals, new habits, and a fresh start for your finances. It’s also National Financial Wellness Month, so it’s the perfect time to give your money habits a quick check-in.

At First Community Bank and Trust, we believe financial wellness is knowing where you stand and using the right tools to move forward. This post shares simple tips and helpful banking services to keep your progress rolling all year long.

What Financial Wellness Really Means

Financial wellness isn’t just about numbers. It’s about feeling confident, prepared, and in control. When your money works for you, it’s easier to focus on what really matters.

The key is budgeting, managing debt, saving, and planning ahead, one step at a time. Start where you are, pick one or two goals, and let small moves build a stronger financial foundation.

Step One: Get a Clear Picture of Your Current Finances

A strong financial plan starts with understanding how money moves in and out of your household. Look at your income, bills, and everyday spending. Reviewing the last one to three months of transactions can uncover habits you might not notice day to day.

First eBanc makes it easy to see where your money goes. Go to Accounts and click on Categorize to spot spending trends as your transactions are automatically sorted into categories like transfers, income, payments, etc. The goal is clarity, not judgment, and staying in control is built right in.

Build a Budget That Works in Real Life

Once you know your income and expenses, build a realistic budget that shows how you plan to use your money each month. Cover the essentials, make progress on debt, and leave room for savings and a little fun.

A simple strategy is giving every dollar a purpose, whether it goes to bills, groceries, or savings. If spending is higher than income, look for small cuts first and explore ways to boost income over time. Financial wellness grows when your money matches what matters most.

Make Your Everyday Accounts Work for You

Your checking and savings accounts are the foundation of your financial life, so the right fit can make managing money feel easier and less stressful. A checking account that matches your lifestyle helps keep bills on track and fees to a minimum.

At FCBT, many customers use their checking account as the hub for direct deposit, automatic payments, and a variety of digital banking tools. First eBanc makes it simple to check balances, track transactions, and spot issues early. You can also use First ePay to pay bills, Mobile Deposit to deposit checks from your phone, and Zelle to send and receive money instantly. Together, these tools help you manage your money efficiently.

Grow Your Savings with Purpose

Planning for both the expected and the unexpected is a key part of financial wellness. An emergency fund can help cover surprise expenses like car repairs or medical bills. A good starting goal is one month of expenses, then building from there.

A dedicated savings account at FCBT makes it easier to grow and protect that cushion. Some customers set up separate savings accounts for goals like emergencies, vacations, or home projects, which helps keep savings on track and reduces the temptation to dip into it.

Automate Good Habits with Direct Deposit

Automating your finances is one of the easiest ways to build financial wellness. Instead of saving whatever is left at the end of the month, have your employer deposit a portion of your paycheck directly into your savings account. It turns saving into a seamless habit rather than a monthly decision. Even $25 or $50 per pay period can add up over time and keep your goals moving.

Another simple option is setting up an automatic internal transfer. In First eBanc, go to Transfer and click Repeat to schedule automatic transfers on payday.

Use Credit Carefully and Manage Debt Strategically

Debt is a reality for many customers, from credit cards to auto loans. Financial wellness isn’t about having no debt. It’s about managing it in a way that fits your budget and goals. Paying on time protects your credit and helps avoid late fees.

If you’re working to reduce debt, focus extra payments on high-interest balances while covering at least the minimum on others. Some customers also use personal loans or home equity options to consolidate debt into a single, more manageable payment. With Credit Sense in First eBanc, you can view all your debts (credit cards, loans, and more) in one convenient dashboard and get insights to manage them better.

Protect Your Progress with Smart Financial Habits

As you grow savings and reduce debt, protecting your progress is key. Check your accounts regularly, keep passwords secure, and be careful when sharing personal information to help prevent fraud or identity theft.

It also helps to schedule a monthly “money check-in.” Spend 15-20 minutes reviewing accounts, updating your budget, and tracking your goals. These small check-ins keep you on course and make it easier to adjust when life changes.

Set One Actionable Goal for Financial Wellness Month

National Financial Wellness Month is a reminder, not a deadline. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Pick one achievable goal this month, like starting an emergency fund, setting up an automatic transfer to savings, or reviewing subscriptions.

First Community Bank and Trust offers accounts and tools to make managing your money easier. For help reviewing options or planning your goals, call us at (708) 946-2246 or (708) 258-0530, or visit our website to learn more.

 

About First Community Bank and Trust
First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 109 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

 

 

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