Every January starts the same way: fresh goals, fresh motivation, and a promise that this will be the year things change.
And yet, by February, many resolutions—especially financial ones—have quietly fallen by the wayside. The problem is less about willpower and more about the strategies we use to tackle our goals.
Today, behavioral science tells us that lasting change doesn’t come from big, dramatic overhauls. It comes from small, repeatable actions that fit naturally into your life. One of the most effective approaches for doing that is a little thing called habit stacking.
Why Financial Resolutions Are So Hard to Keep
Money goals often fail because they feel abstract and overwhelming.
“Save more” feels vague.
“Spend less” feels restrictive.
“Get out of debt” feels daunting.
When goals don’t connect to everyday behavior, they’re easy to forget about…even when they matter most. That’s where habit stacking comes in.
So, What Is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is the practice of attaching a new habit to one you already do consistently.
Instead of trying to create something entirely new, you build on what’s already there. The existing habit becomes a trigger, making the new behavior easier to remember and easier to keep.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
After I check my morning email, I’ll review my account balance.
After I get paid, I’ll move a small amount into savings.
Over time, the new habit becomes automatic.
How to Use Habit Stacking for Smarter Money Habits
You can use habit stacking for anything you want to stick to, but we’re going to explore a few simple ways to apply it to common financial goals.
- Making Saving Automatic – Instead of relying on motivation, pair saving with payday. Set up automatic transfers to savings the same day your paycheck hits. Start small; consistency matters more than the amount.
- Check In, Don’t Obsess – Tie a quick financial check-in to something you already do weekly. You could review spending while you meal prep for the week.
- Use “Anchor Moments” Wisely – Anchor moments (tax refunds, bonuses, or pay raises) are powerful opportunities. Because the money feels “new,” you’re less likely to miss it. Increase savings contributions when income increases or apply part of a windfall directly to debt.
- Replace, Don’t Remove – Instead of cutting habits entirely, redirect them. For example, instead of just cancelling a subscription, you can reallocate that monthly amount toward a debt payoff. This keeps progress visible and rewarding.
Progress Beats Perfection
The most important mindset shift is this: financial success isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Missing a week doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What matters is returning to the habit, not restarting the goal from scratch. Small actions, repeated consistently, create real financial change over time.
A Better Way to Start the Year
At Community Bank of Louisiana, we believe financial goals should feel achievable, not intimidating. Whether you’re building savings, paying down debt, or simply trying to be more intentional with your money, the right systems can make all the difference.
This year, don’t aim for a complete financial overhaul. Start with one small habit and stack from there. Because the resolutions that stick aren’t the biggest ones. They’re the ones built to last.