Summer’s heating up—and so is your chance to take control of your finances before the second half of the year flies by. Whether you’re planning a vacation, prepping for back-to-school, or just trying to stay on top of things, now’s the perfect time for a quick financial check-in.
Here are 5 smart moves to help you finish the first half of the year strong and set yourself up for success going into fall.

1. Recheck Your Budget

A lot can change in six months. Maybe your bills went up. Maybe your spending habits shifted. Or maybe you’ve picked up a few extra subscriptions (we’ll get to that next). It’s time to take a fresh look.

Try this:

1. Compare actual expenses vs. your January budget
2. Adjust for seasonal changes (higher summer utility bills, travel, etc.)
3. Revisit your financial goals and see if you’re on track

2. Boost Your Savings (Even a Little!)

Mid-year is a great time to give your savings a refresh. Whether it’s your emergency fund, holiday fund, or a specific goal (new car, home project, etc.), even small contributions add up fast.

Try this:

1. Set up or increase automatic transfers to savings
2. Open a dedicated savings account for specific goals
3. Round up purchases to stash a little extra without thinking

Use ALLIANCE’s free savings calculators to review where your money’s going and what changes you can make to stay in control.

3. Review Your Subscriptions

Streaming, fitness apps, software trials—it’s easy to sign up and forget what you’re paying for. Take 10 minutes to comb through your bank statements or use a budgeting tool to spot unused or redundant subscriptions.

Try this:

1. Cancel anything you haven’t used in 30+ days
2. Look for duplicate services
3. Switch from monthly to annual payments if you use something consistently—it can save you money in the long run

4. Prep for Back-to-School Spending

Yes, it’s early. But early is exactly the time to start thinking ahead. From school supplies and clothes to tech upgrades and sports fees, back-to-school spending can sneak up fast.

Try this:

1. Start a school supply checklist now
2. Shop sales early (and spread out the spending)
3. Consider a short-term savings account or envelope just for back-to-school needs

ALLIANCE offers flexible savings options and Loans (Like HELOC) that could help stretch your budget while keeping interest low. Use the equity in your home to help kick-start the new school year!

5. Check Your Credit

Mid-year is a smart time to take a quick look at your credit. Catching errors or suspicious activity early can save you big headaches later.

Try this:

1. Use a FREE app such as Credit Karma to review your credit without dinging your score
2. Look for unusual accounts or incorrect information
3. Keep an eye on your credit score through secure credit monitoring tools

Finish Strong, Start Smarter

Doing a mid-year check-in doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, a few quick financial tweaks now can set you up for a smoother, more confident second half of the year.

Let ALLIANCE Credit Union help with tools, advice, and accounts that work for you, not for profit.