Consumer Products Educational
Fall Financial Clean-Up: 6 Ways to Get Ahead Before the Holidays
September 11, 2025
As the leaves start to turn and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your finances. A little fall financial clean-up can go a long way in reducing stress, improving your financial health, and setting yourself up for a strong start to the new year.
At Peoples Savings Bank, we’re here to help you make smart moves now that pay off later. Here are six ways to refresh your finances this fall.
1. Review Your Budget
Start by revisiting your monthly budget.
Ask yourself:
- Are your spending habits aligned with your goals?
- Have any expenses increased or decreased recently?
This is a great time to:
- Identify areas to cut back before holiday spending begins
- Reallocate funds toward savings or debt repayment
- Plan for seasonal costs like heating bills, travel, or back-to-school expenses
Tip: Use PSB’s online banking tools to track spending and categorize transactions for easier budgeting. It’s free!
2. Check Your Credit Report
We can’t stress enough how important this is! Your credit score isn’t just a number; it impacts everything from loan approvals to interest rates.
Fall is a great time to:
- Request a free report at com
- Look for errors or signs of fraud
- Pay down high-interest debt to help boost your score
Bonus: PSB’s secure online banking and eStatements make it easier to monitor your account activity and protect your credit.
3. Plan for Year-End Expenses
How did the year pass by so fast? It’s already time to start thinking about your year-end expenses and planning for it. From holiday gifts, travel, and even property taxes, year-end expenses can sneak up fast.
Stay ahead by:
- Making a list of expected costs
- Setting realistic spending limits for gifts and travel
- Automating savings to build a cushion
Smart Move to Make: Open a Super Savers Club Account at PSB. It pays out in full every November — just in time for holiday shopping!
4. Maximize Your Savings
Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, a vacation, or a future investment, fall is a great time to step up your savings strategy.
PSB offers several options:
- PSB Savings Account: Easy access, no minimum deposit, and quarterly interest
- Super Savers Club: Earn 0.25% APY and save year-round for holiday expenses
- Youth Savings Account: Helps your kids build smart money habits early
5. Organize Your Financial Documents
Paperwork can file up, even in the digital era. Gathering and sorting all of your important paperwork now will make tax season that much easier next year and help you spot opportunities for deductions and refinancing.
Collect the following:
- Tax documents
- Insurance policies
- Loan statements
- Receipts for deductible expenses
Keeping things organized reduces stress later and helps you stay on top of your financial health.
6. Set Financial Goals for the New Year
Fall is a natural time to reset. It gives you time to complete any wish list items before the end of the year and also set up your goals and wishes for the new year.
Ask yourself:
- What financial goals do I want to achieve in 2026?
- Should I adjust my retirement contributions?
- Is it time to start saving for a big purchase?
Let’s Talk: Our team at Peoples Savings Bank is here to help you set and reach your financial goals with personalized financial advice and flexible savings options.
Ready to Refresh Your Finances?
A little fall financial clean-up now can make the holidays less stressful and help you start the new year on strong footing. Visit your local Peoples Savings Bank branch or contact us today to explore savings accounts and other tools that can help you reach your goals.
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