By Krystel Spell

Veterans: Your 4-Step Money Check-In for 2026

This time of year, everyone’s telling you to set goals, start over, or reinvent yourself. But what if you’re just trying to stay afloat after the holidays?

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Financial Goals

At Veteran Saves, we know that financial readiness looks different when you’ve served, and when you're navigating the real costs of everyday life in 2026: higher food prices, interest rates that haven’t come down yet, and rent that keeps rising.

You don't have to be perfect to be in charge. Check out this financial check-up that meets you exactly where you are.

Let’s do a quick 4-step check-in to help you feel in control:

 

1. What’s changed since last year?

Before setting any goals, take stock. Did your income change? Did your rent go up? Are you receiving any new benefits or facing any unexpected expenses?

A realistic plan starts with knowing what’s actually different now.

Tip: Pull up your last 3 months of bank statements and highlight anything new: income, bills, subscriptions, or patterns.

 

2. Are you still using the same Spending & Savings plan?

If you made a plan last year when prices were different, it might not be working anymore. And that’s not your fault.

Now’s the time to adjust your spending and savings plan so it reflects today’s reality, not last year’s version of you.

Need help? Our Spending & Savings Plan tool can help you build a flexible, realistic plan from where you are today.

 

3. Are there any “savings leaks” you can plug?

You don’t need to cut everything. Just spot the quiet expenses that don’t feel worth it anymore. This might be:

  • A subscription you haven’t used since summer
  • Auto-renewing services you forgot about
  • Carrying a balance on a card with a higher interest rate

Quick fix: Cancel or renegotiate one of them this week. One small win can give you momentum.

 

4. What’s one small savings action you can commit to this month?

Pick something doable, not aspirational. That could be:

  • Saving $5 a week automatically from your VA disability pay
  • Using a grocery store app for digital coupons
  • Setting up a separate account just for bills

Remember: Small, consistent steps build habits.

 

Download and print your 2026 Veteran Financial Check-Up to help you map out your 2026 financial priorities. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge, and turn your savings goal into action, with tools, reminders, and encouragement to keep you going.