As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan for next year and take control of your finances. It’s time for fresh goals and smart planning to ensure your hard-earned money is protected and working for you. Two areas deserve extra attention as you prepare for 2026: safeguarding against fraud and choosing safer, more reliable ways to grow your savings.
Here are some ways to plan for strong financial footing in the new year ahead:
• Setting Financial Goals for 2026 and Beyond
Clarify your short- and long-term financial goals. Do you want to reduce debt, save for retirement, or set aside funds for a dream vacation? Creating a plan today enables you to stay on track throughout the new year. Start setting aside regular deposits to personal savings accounts to help move your dreams within reach.
• Protecting Yourself Against Fraud
As AI increasingly evolves, so does the risk of identity theft, phishing, and account breaches, with scammers using new tactics to target individuals and families. Plan on strengthening your defenses in 2026: Enable two-factor authentication, turn on real-time account alerts, and create a verbal family password to quickly identify if an AI-generated voice is pretending to be someone you trust.
• Growing Your Savings with Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
If one of your goals for the new year is to save more strategically, certificate accounts (CDs) could be an excellent option. CDs offer fixed interest rates for a set term, which means guaranteed returns with no market risk—so your money grows faster over time.
The Credit Union Advantage
A credit union could be an excellent partner in achieving your goals in 2026. Because credit unions are member-owned, earnings are returned to you through great rates and lower fees. You’ll find:
• Competitive Certificate Accounts (CDs) and savings rates to help your money grow faster;
• Tools and alerts to stay one step ahead of scammers;
• Affordable financing for vehicles, homes, and more;
• Fewer fees, so more money stays in your pocket; and
• One-on-one guidance to help you make financial decisions.
Hughes Takes You Further
Hughes Federal Credit Union is committed to making a positive difference in its members’ financial lives. In addition to offering competitive financial products, Hughes gives back to its community by volunteering, providing financial education, and supporting local nonprofits such as Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Banner Health Foundation, Youth On Their Own, and more.
Achieve your financial goals in 2026 with the confidence of a trusted partner by your side. Learn more at HughesFCU.org.
Elisa Ross, Vice President of Marketing and Sales