It’s a new year, and if you’re like most Iowans, you’re probably thinking about what you want to do differently in 2026. Whether it’s finally taking that trip you’ve been talking about since 2021, building up your savings, or just trying to make fewer impulse buys at the farm store (hey, we’ve been there), your New Year’s resolution might be telling you more about your financial habits than you realize.
At American State Bank, we’ve been around the block (and the grain elevator) a few times. So we thought we’d take a fun look at how your resolutions reflect your spending style, and share some useful tips to help you make better use of your money this year.
Because no matter what your goals are, we’re here to help you reach them, without judgment, jargon, or a 1-800 number.
“I’m Going to Get in Shape”
Spending Style: The Fired-Up Finisher (or at least starter)
Whether you’re buying new walking shoes to hit the trail around the lake or eyeing a fancy treadmill you saw on TikTok, your get-fit resolution means you’re ready to invest in yourself. And we love that. But before you blow your budget on fitness gear, let’s talk.
Local tips from your hometown bank:
- Set a wellness budget. Decide how much you can realistically put toward fitness each month. Write it on a sticky note. Put it on the fridge.
- Start with what’s free. Walking the high school track, joining a rec league, or streaming free YouTube workouts costs nothing, and keeps your card in your wallet.
- Keep an eye on spending. Our mobile banking lets you track spending and set alerts, so you know if your “new year, new me” is turning into “who put this on my card?”
Real talk: You don’t need a $2,000 elliptical machine to get moving; you just need a plan and maybe a pair of clean socks. Don’t overdo it. Start with something small, do it for a month to make it into a habit, and then increase it. For example, start by transferring $10 every paycheck into your savings account, then after a month, bump it to $20... $30... and so on.
“This Is the Year I Finally Travel”
Spending Style: The Memory Maker
You’re dreaming of beaches, baseball stadiums, or maybe just a weekend in Des Moines with good food and no dishes to wash. You value experiences, and you deserve a break. Just make sure that wanderlust doesn’t wander into debt.
Local tips from your hometown bank:
- Open a “Fun Fund.” Even $20 a paycheck adds up fast when you park it in a savings account. Label it something fun like “Bye, Iowa (Just for a Week)”.
- Use price-tracking apps like Hopper or Google Flights to find better deals before you book.
- Preload a travel budget onto your debit card so you don’t overspend on airport snacks or souvenir T-shirts that shrink after one wash.
- Ask us about debit and credit options with travel protections and no hidden fees.
Whether it’s Okoboji or Oregon, we’re here to help you plan it (and pay for it) smartly.
“I Want to Save More”
Spending Style: The Quiet Saver
You probably already have a spreadsheet, or at least a mental note of where every dollar is going. You think about retirement while others think about Netflix. But saving money can be hard, especially with rising prices and that random tire repair in February.
Local tips from your hometown bank:
- Follow the 50/30/20 rule. Spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and put 20% into savings (no, that doesn’t mean your side-by-side is a need — sorry!).
- Use ASB’s automatic transfers. Set it and forget it—like a Crock-Pot for your bank account.
- Try a CD (Certificate of Deposit) if you’ve got savings just sitting there. Higher returns plus zero effort equals a happy you.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent, and we’ve got the tools to help.
“I Need Better Balance in My Life”
Spending Style: The Self-Care Spender
You know the value of your time and peace of mind. You might spend a little extra on DoorDash, aromatherapy candles, or organizing bins from Target (hey, a clean pantry is therapy, we get it!). Just be careful your calm doesn’t come with a chaotic bank balance.
How to keep balance in more ways than one:
- Track your feel-good spending. Whether it’s takeout or bath bombs, categorize it in your online banking so you don’t lose track.
- Use the 24-hour rule. If it’s over $50 and not urgent, sleep on it. If you still want it tomorrow, go for it.
- Give yourself a monthly “treat budget.” That way you can spend guilt-free without sacrificing your goals.
Remember, balance also means sometimes saying “no” to a fourth subscription box.
“I’m Buying a House (or Making Big Moves)”
Spending Style: The Long-Game Thinker
You’ve got vision, whether it’s your first home, building on the family farm, or remodeling that 1970s basement into something livable (RIP, orange shag carpet). But big goals come with big planning.
Let’s make it happen:
- Talk to your ASB banker now. Even if you’re six months out, we’ll help you prep, plan, and know what to expect.
- Ask about pre-qualification. It gives you a real budget and shows sellers you mean business.
- Explore local programs. We’re experts in small-town lending, modular homes, and first-time buyer options that national banks overlook.
- Use our online calculators to play with payment scenarios and set a realistic savings goal.
Big dreams need a bank that knows your name, and your hometown zip code.
“I Don’t Really Do Resolutions”
Spending Style: The Go-With-the-Flow-er
You prefer to keep it casual, and that’s totally fine. But financial habits happen whether you plan for them or not. Let’s make sure yours are helping, not hurting, your future.
Here’s what to try:
- Track without judgment. Use our app to just observe your habits for a month. Don’t beat yourself up—just learn.
- Pick one mini-goal. Like “I’ll bring lunch three times this week” or “I’ll check my balance every Friday.”
- Create a spending “wishlist.” Write down the things you want instead of buying them instantly. Revisit in a week.
Not a planner? No problem. That’s what we’re here for.
Real Goals Need a Real Bank
You’ve got goals. You’ve got dreams. You’ve got receipts from the co-op and the coffee shop. And whether you’re starting fresh or just trying to stay consistent, American State Bank is here to help you make smart, hometown-centered money moves.
We’re your neighbors. The people you see at the grocery store, the Friday night game, and the tractor pull. And we believe your bank should work as hard as you do.
So whatever your 2026 resolution looks like — let’s make it happen!
Stop by your nearest branch or visit americanstatebank.com to get started.
