Save smarter in 2026 with these simple money management rules

Our attention now shifts to what we learned, how we evolved, and what we wish we could have done differently in 2025. Naturally, these reflections lead us to our New Year's resolutions. Financial stability is no longer a distant goal but the smartest and one of the most important New Year's resolutions for the year ahead.

In the era of aesthetic café hopping, impulsive purchases, picking up new hobbies, and one-tap checkouts, financial discipline has become a lost art. As we step into 2026, this year's resolution should not be about earning more but spending smarter in better ways. Being in control and well-informed about money management is an essential part of our lives. 

Photo: Collected / micheile Henderson / Unsplash

Create a monthly budget for every single month 

Financial discipline always starts with a realistic monthly budget. Dividing income with intention instead of meaningless promises about "saving more". Start a month with a practical plan that reflects your lifestyle and goals perfectly.

Allocate specific categories like food, transportation, utilities, and hobbies. Set a clear expense for home-cooked food, set a limit on food delivery, and be aware of how much you are spending on dining out at weekends with your friends and family.

It's not easy to control ourselves when it comes to hobbies. However, budgeting is not only about necessities. Whether it's art supplies, books, journaling or workshops, planning can rescue you from the guilt of overspending.

To make these plans work in real life, awareness is also crucial. Install a reliable tracking app such as TakaTracker, Money Manager, or Daily Expense Manager to monitor the daily and monthly expenses. Ultimately, the goal should not be to be obsessed but to stay aware of how much money you are spending daily.

Open a dedicated savings account 

A dedicated savings account should not be an afterthought. Opening a savings account only for savings, and it should be treated as a sacred thing to do every month. DPS (Deposit Pension Scheme) is one of the safest discipline-building tools. Once opened, a fixed amount is automatically deposited every month.

There are no excuses or "next month I will save more" promises. It is ideal for people who always struggle with consistency in saving money. Even the modest account with a DPS shapes a habit and slowly creates financial confidence for future goals like higher education, starting a business, travel goals, or emergencies.

Photo: Collected / Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash

Gold and stocks

Modern finance has evolved, but gold remains the ultimate hedge, offering protection against inflation.

You may start small, perhaps by purchasing a piece of gold jewellery from your income. It remains a reliable investment, as gold prices have shown long-term growth, while keeping it as an asset.

Investing in the stock exchange should always start with proper research on market trends and a clear understanding of risks. In fact, observing or learning about the market first can be just as valuable as actual investing.

Bring back the piggy bank

We are living in an era of digital wallets and contactless payments, so piggy banks feel like dinosaur-era things. Buy a classic piggy bank, whether it's a traditional clay pot, wooden box, or steel box with a little lock, and make a regular habit of dropping the small notes or coins at the end of every day. It will continuously remind you that every penny counts, and open it at the end of the year.

Let's step into 2026, being more responsible and redefining what it means to live in peace, not just in sunny ones but also prepared for rainy days.