December 10, 2025One-Minute Read: Building a Budget That Works in the New Year
A fresh year is the perfect time to reset your finances. No matter your income or goals, the right budgeting method can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and make steady progress toward a stronger financial future. Here are four simple strategies to try:
- Pay Yourself First
Treat your savings like a bill. Set aside money for savings before paying anything else. Automating this step makes it easier to prioritize your future.
- The 50/30/20 Rule
Break your take-home pay into three buckets:
- 50% for needs (housing, groceries, insurance)
- 30% for wants (fun spending)
- 20% for savings and debt payoff
You can adjust the percentages to match your lifestyle and goals.
- Zero-Based Budgeting
Give every dollar a job. Assign your income to bills, savings, and spending categories until there’s nothing left unaccounted for. It’s a highly organized approach that keeps impulse spending in check.
- The Envelope System
Set spending limits by category using physical envelopes or separate PEFCU accounts. Once a category is empty, you stop spending—or move funds from another “envelope.”
No matter which method you choose, the best budget is the one you’ll use consistently. If you want help building a plan or boosting your savings this year, we’re here for you. Visit any branch or explore budgeting tools at FinanciallyFresh.PEFCU.com.
Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact PEFCU when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.